FORMER IBROX MIDFIELDER AND GERS MASCOT HAND OVER £25,000 DONATION
TWO special guests from the Rangers Charity Foundation presented a generous donation to Age Scotland in Pollokshields. Ex-Rangers star Alex Rae and Ibrox mascot Broxi Bear handed over the cheque for £25,000 at the beloved community centre yesterday.
The money was donated by Light Blues fans all season-round, as part of a partnership between the two charities.
To mark the occasion, the Nan McKay Community Hall welcomed the representatives of both organizations, along with elderly members of the local community.
After presenting the cheque, Age Scotland led an invigorating game of Body Boosting Bingo, a unique version of the popular game, infused with physical activity, which was followed by lunch.
Isabel, 63, who chatted to Alex just before the bingo, said: “My brothers and my dad went to all the Rangers games and went everywhere with them.”
She added: “I enjoyed the bingo a lot, it was fun.”
Mary, 89, and Jane, 83, who were both participating, said: “It was really lovely, yes, very great.
“I have done nothing like this before. I got a leaflet from the nurse at my last diabetes checkup, that is why I came along.
“I am very glad I came, I had a lovely time.”
The Rangers Charity Foundation announced Age Scotland as its national charity partner in October last year and the two organisations have been working closely with the aim of helping more older people access the social security and financial support they are entitled to.
Trustee Alex said:
“When the foundation said that they were going to go for Age Scotland, I thought it was a great idea.
“I have various elderly friends in the outskirts of Glasgow and I became very aware that loneliness can be a serious issue. Getting in touch with the elderly is great and I am really pleased that we became a partner of the foundation.
“When you see the workshops they put on today, the togetherness and unity, I think, is invaluable. It’s also much needed, because you can see how much they are enjoying themselves.”
Age Scotland’s chief executive, Brian Sloan, said: “Pensioner poverty is an issue that still gets far less attention than it deserves. The number of people affected have been creeping up in recent years and there must be a concerted effort from all angles if we want to see a change for the better.
“We’ve been delighted to team up with Rangers Charity Foundation throughout this partnership to further our shared commitment to supporting older people.”