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FESTIVE FRIENDS 2024

Saints in the Community staff and volunteers brought Christmas cheer, kindness and compassion to older people in the community by taking part in the 2023 Festive Friends programme in partnership with The SPFL Trust.

The Festive Friends programme has now completed its 8th year, with 2023 being a particularly important year for the programme with all 41 SPFL Clubs and their Community Trusts supporting around 3,600 older and socially isolated people in their communities! 2023 has been a difficult year for everyone, as the country deals with the pressures of the cost-of-living crisis, but of course winter is always a tough time for older people who are at higher risk of social isolation and loneliness.

On Tuesday 19th December, Saints in the Community staff spent the morning organising and filling Christmas Hampers to be delivered across Perth & Kinross. Surprise deliveries were made with each recipient receiving:

  • Afternoon Tea
  • Oatcakes & Cheese
  • Chocolate Coins
  • Saints in the Community branded Tote Bag
  • Saints in the Community branded Mug with Teabag
  • Festive Friends Coaster
  • Retro Programme and Quiz
  • Christmas Cards drawn by pupils at Tulloch Primary School

We would like to extend a massive thank you to St. Johnstone FC players Ross Sinclair, Sam McClelland, Cammy Ballantyne, Jack Wills and Craig Hepburn who took time out to help deliver hampers alongside our staff and volunteers, providing an extra surprise for recipients.

Thursday 21st of December brought around the annual Festive Friends three-course lunch which took place at McDiarmid Park, with 60 nominated guests joining us for the afternoon. The day started off at midday with Saints in the Community staff welcoming guests, allowing guests to get comfortable and chatting away before the meal. The three course lunch soon followed with guests served a hearty bowl of red pepper and tomato soup before tucking into a Christmas dinner with all the trimmings, finished off with a Christmas pudding! The event was concluded with some entertainment in the form of bingo and musical entertainment from The Neverely Sisters to give guests the opportunity to win some prizes and get up for a dance before the day was brought to a close!

The McDiarmid Park event was joined by Ellie and Bex from the St Johnstone Women's team and a number of the men's players popped in too - providing an added surprise for our beneficiaries and some much appreciated photo opportunities. Thank you for a fantastic afternoon!