Volunteers from Renfrewshire Foodbank scored big after revealing they were blown away with donations and cash raised by big-hearted St Mirren fans.
The group insisted the support from the Buddies faithful was out of this world as they hit the back of the net by generating over £1,600 in cash donations alongside plenty of crates of food.
Jim Crawford, a lifelong St Mirren supporter and volunteer at the Renfrewshire Foodbank, earmarked the home game against Dundee United with a collection point established.
Jim knew the match would be well attended and hoped charity would be the winner – but was stunned by the backing received from his fellow Buddies.
In total, the 16 volunteers who attended the game managed to collect £1,652.78 and 120 crates full to the brim with much-needed items for those who need a hand just now.
Speaking to the Paisley Daily Express, Jim said that he was really pleased with the support the volunteers received as well as help from the community in such tough times.
He also went on to explain how vital it is for a club like St Mirren to be a support hub for people during difficult periods like the current cost-of-living crisis.
“I have been a St Mirren supporter my full life and they have also been there for the community and fans,” he said.
“Every year I know that there are lulls in terms of donations due to the time of year and sometimes people need to save.
“And as an organisation that relies heavily on the goodwill of the community, I know that there is a window of opportunity.
“These windows allow us to go out and connect with the community that support us and doing this at St Mirren is something that we have done in the past. We know that the supporters support what we do and are always happy to help.
“The Dundee United game is always one that is a well turned out fixture and to have the chance to go down thanks to St Mirren was a pleasure.
“It is vital for food banks to get donations as, at certain parts of the year, stock can run low so we need to always be proactive and be a step ahead of that.”
Since 2016, reliance on food banks has almost doubled with many people now having to turn to these organisations to feed themselves and their families.
Jim, who is a retired vehicle inspector, says he knows the scale of the task the Renfrewshire Foodbank has to provide for people and that the local community is key to these challenges.
The 70-year-old also thanked St Mirren for allowing the organisation to come down to the SMiSA stadium and says the supporters owning the club allows for the community to come together at times like these.
He added: “I’d like to just say a massive thank you to St Mirren for allowing us to come down again as it is really appreciated and helps us a lot.
“As a St Mirren supporter, having the club I support helping out is a great touch for me. One team, one club, one town.”
Crystal Clayton, manager of Renfrewshire Foodbank, said: “We have a great partnership with Jim who goes down to St Mirren’s stadium once a year to collect donations from fans
“The community in and around Renfrewshire is amazing and we couldn’t help people without them. There is a real sense of community spirt with everyone.
“I want to say a big thank you to everyone who donates to the foodbank as we really value your help.”
Renfrewshire foodbank will be hosting a collection from Thursday, December 1 to Saturday, December 3 in the Paisley, Linwood and Renfrew Tesco outlets.
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