DONS WILL DO THEIR BEST TO HELP COMMUNITY

ABERDEEN yesterday mobilised in a bid to counter the effects of coronavirus in the north-east — with the club offering the use of the Richard Donald Stand at Pittodrie as a testing area if required. The Dons have unveiled details of a two-pronged approach to support fans and the wider community as Scotland braces itself for Covid-19 to tighten its grip in the coming days. Pledging to provide information and to engage with people, particularly those in isolation, the club will also offer practical support to those in need — and, potentially, to the emergency services. Outlining the response on the club’s website, a statement read: ‘With football, training and coaching suspended, the club and its partner charity, AFC Community Trust, whose reach throughout the region is greater than it has ever been, have available resources, including 80 volunteers, who are standing ready to do whatever is needed. ‘This begins in earnest in the coming days when AFCCT will be working with Community Food Initiatives North East (CFINE) to make deliveries of food to areas where the Trust already works to reduce food poverty, supporting children during the school closures.’ Aberdeen chairman Dave Cormack added: ‘We stand ready to do whatever we can to assist the community in what is a rapidly escalating, unprecedented situation. Our response to the crisis facing us is one of solidarity and support. We have drawn up a battle plan which will allow us to provide practical support to those who need it most and to bring our fans and the community together in our fight against the virus. ‘We have a unique platform to connect with people of all ages, from all backgrounds across all parts of the city region and beyond. ‘We are in a position to engage with the community through content that educates, comforts, reassures and even brings a smile to all those affected, but particularly those suffering from loneliness, anxiety and fear.’