AWASH WITH ENTHUSIASM
A n-ice spot of fundraising by Pirates’ fans
Craig Ritchie
It might be a few weeks until Paisley Pirates fans have the chance to see their favourites back on the ice – but that’s not stopping them from getting right behind the team.
The Pirates’ Supporters Club continues to use the close season to raise vital funds to help keep the Pirates on the ice.
And supporters club cha i rwoman Mar ie Cadenhead explained that the group have been hard at work behind the scenes in a bid to ensure that the side have success both on and off the ice this season.
She told Express Sport: “Over the close season, the club committee has been streamlined, but that hasn’t stopped us from pushing ahead with the fundraising that nowadays is as essential for keeping the main club on the ice as any other activity.
“We know as well how important it is too for the Pirates to be seen in the community, which they’re very much part of.
“We took part in Barshaw Gala Day towards the end of June, organised a bag pack in Morrisons at the beginning of July, which raised a lot of money, we’ve got a stall at the Ferguslie Open Day on Saturday, and we’ve got a bunch of supporters taking part in the annual Paisley Fun Run, on Sunday, August 19.
“None of us will ever be described as athletes, but we’ve had a lot of fun taking part inthe event in previous years, as well as raising a bucketful of cash for club funds, and we’re hoping to do the same this year.”
The supporters club is still looking for Pirates fans to join them in a bid to raise more money for the side.
Marie added: “We’re hoping supporters will feel able to take part in the fun run and there’s still time to register.
“It is certainly a lot of fun, as the title suggests, and it gives us another opportunity to take part in a community activity and raise money at the same time.”
But most importantly, the group is looking forward to the new season getting under way as the Pirates again strive for success on the ice.
She said: “It’s not too long now until the main event for us, namely, seeing the Pirates back on the ice.
“We know it makes a big difference to the club management and players to know the supporters are backing us by bringing in much-needed cash.
“It costs more than people probably think to keep the show on the road, when you consider costly items like booking buses for far away road trips,.
“Contributors to the cause, either in donations or by taking part in the event, know that every penny raised goes to help the Pirates, Renfrewshire’s only senior ice hockey team.”
The group has set up a JustGiving page at www. justgiving. com/ crowdfunding/ paisleypirates for anyone able and willing to support those folk who might not be actually running the whole distance ( 3k) on the day, but will certainly be attempting a fast stroll around the town centre.
Over the close season, we’ve been pushing ahead with fundraising Marie Cadenhead