Festive Friends brings festive cheer and companionship to elderly people who are socially isolated and at risk of being alone during the festive season.
This year Annan Athletic staff and volunteers continue to visit participants with hampers and welcome participants to enjoy a hot Christmas lunch. The club recently had 20 people at the Anglers for a Christmas Lunch and delivered a further 30 food hampers to those who are alone or in need this Christmas.
Hampers usually contain food, snacks, essential toiletries, gifts, games and more. Some clubs even send video messages from managers and players; others have players make personal deliveries.
The campaign has the largest ever fund this year, a total of £133,000, which means the SPFL Trust will be able to support an extra 1000 people via clubs and community trusts.
As such, the programme is expected to support over 4000 people this year across Scotland.
SPFL Trust CEO Nicky Reid said: “Festive Friends is one of our biggest events at the SPFL Trust and for our colleagues at clubs and community trusts.
“It’s all about coming together to have a real impact in the lives of elderly and isolated people over the festive period.
“It’s the Christmas spirit in action as we see the power of football in spades – with clubs spreading cheer in their communities.
“This year 43 SPFL clubs are involved making it our biggest programme yet, supported by a record-breaking fund of £133,000. We look forward to supporting more elderly people than ever before, after all kindness never mattered more.”
