Saints fans rally round to boost foodbank

Perth and Kinross Foodbank has praised the efforts of a group of St Johnstone fans who helped collect a substantial amount of parcels.

Saints fan group Fair City Unity, with the co-operation of the Perth club, set up a stall at Saturday’s Scottish Premiership game against Motherwell.

Supporters were asked to bring along items which could help those in need this Christmas – with 225 kilogrammes collected in total.

Temporary foodbank coordinator Eric Davidson said:“We are so grateful for the young lads who made it possible and helped.

“I believe it was very positive and would like to arrange, with St Johnstone’s cooperation, to have collection at turnstiles in future, if possible.”

Eric has been overwhelmed with the high volume of food being donated to the foodbank in general in the run-up to Christmas.

He said:“At the moment, to be honest, we have had so many food donations that we are almost full thanks to generosity of Perth people.

“We have been so busy it is unbelievable and genuinely we are not short of particular items.

“We have been able to offer surplus to other Perth agencies and Dundee Foodbank.

“Without being a mercenary, it is funds that are important for the running of the bank – to cover things like rent, utilities and the van.

“The van only runs two mornings at the moment so we are trying hard to pick up every donation as some are out of town.

“Thank you to Perth, the St Johnstone fans and anyone who has donated, volunteered or helped in any way.”