ABERDEEN-based Dons fan, Scott Mackenzie, has come up with a unique way to support a local family charity. Ahead of the kick-off of Aberdeen Football Club’s 2023-2024 campaign, his ‘Donathon 2023’ will see family charity, Home-Start Aberdeen, inviting fans to donate recently replaced and previously loved Dons clothing to the charity’s George Street shop, raising much needed funds and enabling people to wear the team’s colours at an affordable price.
“It’s a win-win for fans and an organisation close to my heart,” explains Scott, who regularly attends Pittodrie with his father, three sons, brother, nieces and nephew, all of whom are season ticket holders. Scott held his first Donathon for the charity in May 2017, in the lead up to the Scottish Cup Final between Aberdeen FC v Celtic FC. “I reached out to fans to donate their previously loved Dons tops to Home-Start, so that less fortunate people could wear our team’s colours – it raised a staggering £2390.50. With the launch of AFC’s new home kit ahead of the 23/24 season kick off on August 5th, it made sense to resuscitate the campaign.”
“It’s a fantastic idea from Scott,” adds Home-Start Aberdeen’s Chief Executive, Eleanor McEwan. “Aberdeen is a city full of passionate football fans with an appetite to wear their team’s colours with pride – whether brand new or second hand. The current economic climate has forced the price of non-essential items out of reach for many families, so the opportunity to pick up Dons clothing at a reduced price will be welcomed across the city. The benefits are manifold – as well as boosting the local economy and supporting families in need, shopping in charity shops promotes a circular economy, helping to reduce global waste.”
The charity shop celebrates its tenth anniversary this year. Donations of Dons kit should be delivered to the George Street charity shop from Monday 24th July onwards, to be sold from Monday 31st July. All proceeds will go towards supporting young families in Aberdeen. For further information, email [email protected] or call 01224 622390.
For over 30 years Home-Start Aberdeen has been supporting vulnerable families across the city to prevent family crisis and breakdown. These families have at least one child under the age of five and are typically affected by social isolation, bereavement, relationship problems, illness, disability and financial hardship. Home Start Aberdeen positively welcomes and seeks to ensure we achieve diversity. We encourage interest from all regardless of age, race, gender, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or nationality. For more information on Home-Start Aberdeen visit www.homestartaberdeen.org.uk
