Following the success of its #StillStandingFree campaign, Aberdeen Football Club has ramped up its outreach programme with the ambitious goal of contacting 12,000 fans during April and May.
Over 500 Dons’ fans have already been bolstered by a phone call from the Club in the last week. Whether from a Club representative, a former player or a first team player, these check‐in calls have been the highlight of the day for elderly fans during the coronavirus imposed lock‐down.
Acknowledging the value of these calls and the deliveries of food and essentials to the most vulnerable in the community, the Club is working even more closely with the AFC Community Trust, to reach as many fans as possible.
To enable the Trust to continue this valuable community outreach programme AFC board directors, have pledged to donate 10% of the total revenues generated by the sale of season tickets, throughout April, to the Trust.
Liz Bowie, chief executive of AFC Community Trust, said: “We’re absolutely blown away by the generosity of the AFC Directors. If AFC fans continue to purchase season tickets throughout April at the rate they have been recently, then the Trust will benefit enormously and, as a result, will be in a position to provide even more support to the wider community. It’s a win win situation for both the Club and the community.”
Starting today, representatives from AFC and the Trust will be increasing the number of calls made every day to reach a target of speaking to 12,000 fans throughout April and May.
The phone calls will seek to find out how people are coping during the lock‐down, if the Club or the Trust can help in any other way or if they know of anyone in a vulnerable position who needs specific assistance.
Ms Bowie explained: “We’ve already seen the hugely positive impact a call from the Club can have on our elderly fans. We began by prioritising those over 70 years old but, having seen how much it means to people, we’d like to reach even more of our fanbase and, by pooling the resources of the Trust and the Club, we believe we can contact around 400 fans every day.
“It’s been estimated that one in four people will suffer from mental health issues as a result of being in lock-down. Being cooped up at home alone can exacerbate problems like depression and anxiety. Knowing the Club cares and is there to talk could really make a difference and we are committed to reaching as many people as we can.”
Many of the Trust staff have experience in dealing with individuals, of all ages, who are struggling with poverty, mental health and physical disabilities.
Ms Bowie added: “We’ll be able to chat to them, find out if they’re coping and see if there is anything more we can do for them or anyone they know who may be particularly vulnerable.”
Generous Dons’ fans have rallied behind the Club’s #StillStandingFree campaign, pledging over £8,000 in donations to the AFC Community Trust, who have already delivered packages of food and essentials to 200 vulnerable children and families across the city, as well as a distressed individual in Macduff.
Meanwhile, elderly fans have been surprised and delighted to receive phone calls from assistant manager ‐ Tony Docherty, Dons Legend ‐ Neil Simpson, AFC Captain ‐ Joe Lewis, along with other first team players including Andrew Considine and Shay Logan.
AFC Chairman, Dave Cormack, has made several calls himself. He said: “I’ve spoken to several fans who are self‐isolating, reminiscing about their Pittodrie memories and sharing our favourite football moments. This underlines the power of football in bringing people together.
“The overwhelmingly positive response from the fans in the last week or so has been amazing. The Red Army has really thrown its weight behind our community campaign. The Directors are pleased to be in a position to reward that through our pledge to the Trust.
“We are living through an unprecedented global crisis where everyone is concerned about the health and well‐being of their families and worried about their jobs and their financial position. Yet, Dons’ fans are supporting the work of the Trust and our campaign. It is truly humbling.”
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