Paisley Daily Express

Paul joins the festive party Company boss helps fund special Christmas lunch

- David Campbell

Christmas has come early for St Mirren’s Festive Friends lunch after a Paisley businessma­n stepped in to help sponsor the event.

The club’s recently re-launched community trust is hosting a special meal for elderly and isolated people at the Simple Digital Arena on the big day.

Now Paul McGrath, the bighearted boss of Consillium Contractin­g Services, has offered to help fund the day as well as organise transport for all the guests.

Gayle Brannigan, who heads up the trust, thanked Paul for his generous backing, saying they will now be able to feed and entertain around 100 specially-nominated guests in the 1877 Supporters Club.

She told the Paisley Daily Express: “Paul has been amazing. He has donated £700 to the day, which coupled with an amazing donation of £ 500 from the St Mirren Independen­t Supporters Associatio­n means we can accommodat­e 100 guests.

“Paul has also offered to organise mini-buses on the day to make sure people get there and back safely. It is an amazing gesture and we are so thankful to him for supporting us. “He is such a lovely guy. “He has also asked if any of our guests need clothing which is amazing.

“The support we have had has been awesome.”

With the big day fast approachin­g, Gayle has urged groups and members of the public to nominate people to come along.

“If you know an elderly person who might be alone on Christmas day or who might need support at that time of the year, then please get in touch,” she said.

“We have had a number of nomination­s from partners like Shelter, ROAR, ACTIVE Communitie­s, the Star Project and the Salvation Army so far but we would like to hear from you if you have someone in mind.

“It will be a fun-filled day, with entertainm­ent and a lovely meal so please get in touch if you know

Paul has been amazing. He is such a lovely guy Gayle Brannigan

someone who might enjoy it.

“If you want to volunteer on the day I would love to hear from you.”

There will be live music, games and entertainm­ent, some special legends dropping by to share funny stories, and great memories of St Mirren’s history.

There will also be a delicious three- course Christmas dinner from the Salvation Army and a visit from Father Christmas and the elves to provide a small festive gift.

The Salvation Army and all of St Mirren FC women’s team have kindly offered to volunteer on the day.

 If you wish to nominate someone or volunteer , email gayle. brannigan@stmirren.com

 ??  ?? Welcome John White of SMISA (left), Gayle Brannigan and Paul McGrath of Consilium
Welcome John White of SMISA (left), Gayle Brannigan and Paul McGrath of Consilium

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