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CITY URGED TO GO RED FOR AURORA ON FRIDAY

24 January 2018
Author AFC Media Team

Final push to show support for Kingsford stadium plans

Businesses, community groups and Dons supporters across the North-east are being urged to go “Red For Aurora” this Friday to show their backing for a new stadium, ahead of a final decision by councillors.

Companies, bars and restaurants are among those which have already signed up and it is hoped as many people as possible will also take the opportunity to paint the town red by wearing something red or display red bunting or flags on Friday (January 26).

AFC is proposing to build a £50million community sports campus and stadium with on-site training facilities at Kingsford, near Westhill, which is vital to the club and has significant socio-economic benefits for the region.

A special meeting of Aberdeen City Council has been called for next Monday (January 29) to rule on the planning application.

Dons captain Graeme Shinnie is leading the call for support for Red for Aurora Day.

“We are aiming to generate widespread support across the city and through social media channels so we are encouraging everyone to join forces with colleagues, customers and suppliers to wear something red on Friday, or display posters or red flags,” he said.

“The decision on Monday, January 29 is crucial for Aberdeen Football Club and we are calling on the Red Army to go red and show our councillors that there is widespread support for the proposals at Kingsford, as well as compelling economic and community benefits for many years to come.”

To take part in Red for Aurora Day, simply:

  • Encourage your colleagues, suppliers and customers to wear an item of red clothing on Friday, January 26, with the option of donating £1 to Aberdeen FC’s Community Trust (AFCCT).
  • Promote any red products available with your business, for example supporters in the hospitality industry may consider developing a limited edition red drink or food item.
  • Display red bunting and AURORA branded material (available from the AFC Club Shop) in or outside your premises.

Participants can share images on social media of their friends and colleagues getting involved, using the hashtag #RedForAurora to publicly demonstrate their support.

AFCCT operates as a charity independently of Aberdeen Football Club but works closely with North-east local authorities and many other organisations including the Life Changes Trust, NHS Grampian, Sport Aberdeen, Police Scotland, Aberdeen Sports Village and other members of the Active Aberdeen Partnership.

The AFCCT programme includes football programmes for girls and boys, weekly walking football sessions for women and men, dementia friendly activities and health walks for over 65s, and the Football Fans In Training scheme, which to date has helped participants lose a combined total of 160st.

Ally Prockter, Aberdeen FC Community Trust’s chief executive said: “I encourage everyone to go ‘Red for Aurora’ this Friday. This is the final chance for anyone in favour of the proposed community facilities and stadium at Kingsford to publicly show their support.

“These facilities will be a huge boost for AFCCT, providing an inspirational setting to continue our work and reach even more individuals in communities across the North-east.”

Numerous bodies, companies and groups have already added their weight to the campaign, including the Scottish Football Association, Scottish Premier Football League, Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce, SCDI, RGU, Aberdeen City and Shire Hotels Association, golf champion Paul Lawrie, Sir Alex Ferguson and former players including Willie Miller.

For details of how to support the Aurora campaign, visit www.afc.co.uk/Aurora and use #AllForAurora and #RedForAurora on social media.

For more information about AFCCT and to make a donation please visit: https://www.justgiving.com/aberdeenfc-communitytrust

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