BUDDIES SHOW THEIR STRIPES TO HELP THE COMMUNITY
Saints’ chairman joins fans for lockdown fundraiser
Big-hearted St Mirren fans are delivering off the pitch to help their community as the team waits patiently to get back into the fray.
Supporters have raised more than £ 5,000 for the St Mirren Charitable Foundation which has played a key role in supporting people struggling during the lockdown.
Almost £2,500 of that total came as Buddies took part in Stripes on Friday, which encouraged people to wear a St Mirren top as they worked from home.
Many posted pictures of themselves on social media and donated to the charitable foundation’s Just Giving page online.
The drive was suggested by Saints fan Stuart Gillespie and was quickly taken up by other supporters including St Mirren board member David Nicol.
MSP George Adam joined in the fun along with club chairman Gordon Scott.
Gayle Brannigan, the foundation’s chief executive, said she has been overwhelmed by the response of supporters,
She said: “I can’t thank everyone who took part and donated enough.
“The whole St Mirren community has come together during this crisis and I can’t believe how generous they have all been.
“They have been so creative in coming up with ways to support the foundation - from the Stripes of Friday idea, to one of our fans – Ian Brown – getting his chest waxed.
“The camaraderie between everyone has been so positive and uplifting.
“We are so grateful, and every penny raised is making a real difference in our communities.”
The St Mirren Charitable Foundation is working closely with the Star Project to deliver essential goods to people in need across Renfrewshire during the pandemic.
St Mirren Chief Executive Tony Fitzpatrick added: “It doesn’t surprise me to see the St Mirren family lending their support to such a worthwhile cause.
“It was great to see so many people - young and old - getting their stripes on.
“The donations made are fantastic and will really help Gayle Brannigan and everyone at the foundation continue the amazing work they have been doing in our community.”
To donate to the JustGiving page, visit: www. justgiving. com/ crowdfunding/ smfc-foundation-20