News

The Foundation has once again brought Christmas cheer, kindness and compassion to older people in the local community by taking part in the SPFL Trust’s Festive Friends programme this year.

Foundation staff and volunteers welcomed participants to Ibrox On Friday to enjoy a hot three-course Christmas lunch, entertainment from St Pauls High School Choir, some bingo and a small gift. Festive favourites Marvin Andrews and John Brown also joined in and had a chat with attendees as well.

We will also deliver hampers to those who were unable attend this year containing items such as food, snacks, puzzle books and more to help out local senior citizens this winter.

This year, members of the community from the Preshal Trust, Govan Housing Association and Glasgow’s Golden Generation all came together at the stadium.

Over the past seven years, the Foundation has provided a Christmas lunch for senior citizens of the local community and was delighted to once again be welcoming attendees back to Ibrox for an in-person get together.

SPFL associated community trusts and clubs work with local partners to identify older people who may be feeling lonely or isolated with the programme expected to support around 3,600 people this year across Scotland.

Around 13,000 people have enjoyed Festive Friends in the last seven years and that number is expected to reach nearly 17,000 this year.

Rachael Cosgrove, Charity Executive for the Foundation, said:

“We were pleased to be hosting senior citizens from the local community at Ibrox again this year, providing a delightful afternoon filled with food, socialising, and entertainment as part of the SPFL Trust’s Festive Friends program.

In light of the challenges posed by the cost-of-living crisis and concerns about staying warm and managing heating expenses, bringing joy and smiles to members of our local community is truly uplifting.”

Mary Holmes from Riverside Hall added: “It’s our wee club that we go to that said we could come along. We go along because the company is great and when we can all come together at times it like this it’s really nice.”

“It’s great that the Rangers Charity Foundation and the SPFL Trust put things on like this because it can really make a difference.”

We also welcomed along Scotland Women’s first ever captain, Margaret McAuley.

SPFL Trust CEO Nicky Reid said: “Festive Friends is a highlight in the SPFL Trust calendar, and one of the biggest events for our colleagues at clubs and community trusts across Scotland.

“It’s all about coming together to have a real impact in the lives of older people who might be experiencing loneliness throughout the festive period.

“It’s Christmas spirit in action as we see the power that SPFL clubs and associated community trusts have in their communities.

“Our research shows that almost 83% of people live within ten miles of a SPFL ground – because of this clubs and their associated community trusts are well positioned to support change in their communities.

“This year 42 clubs are involved, and we look forward to spreading festive magic to many across Scotland, bringing kindness and compassion this Christmas.”

For more information on Festive Friends visit: www.spfltrust.org.uk/festivefriends