
Fifth KitAid campaign launched
June 27, 2018
The Airdrie management and playing staff, along with TV Star Jordan Young, came together recently to help launch the club’s fifth Annual Football Strip Amnesty in the town. The popular scheme, run in conjunction with the Supporters’ Trust and the KitAid charity, launches officially this Saturday (June 30) at Airdrie Fair Day, but the boys wanted to give the campaign a helping hand.
The unique scheme sees free kids season tickets being distributed for the season ahead, in return for handing in any unwanted piece of football kit, which is then donated to some of the poorest countries in the world via KitAid.
Kit can be exchanged for season tickets at the Airdrie Fair Day this Saturday, and thereafter at the club shop, which is open Mondays to Fridays from 10:00am - 2:30pm, and also on Thursday evenings from 7:30 - 8:30. Donations can also be handed in to Ultimate Fitness gym, with more donation stations to be added.
In addition to receiving the free season tickets, all parents or guardians will also receive a Diamond Discount Card, offering great savings in local businesses.
Supporters Trust Chairman Willie Marshall said “There is no catch in this scheme. Young people under the age of 16 will receive a voucher entitling them to a free season ticket in return for their old football kit.
“It doesn’t have to be Airdrie kit. It can be from any club. The only stipulation is that it must be in reasonable condition as KitAid will be sending it overseas to be worn again.
“We would love to receive unwanted kit from boys clubs and amateur teams, as well as from individuals, over the coming months. This is something very special everybody in the community can feel part of.”
So far we have donated nearly 15,000 pieces of kit, and would love to break the 20,000 mark this year.
“This is the ideal time to build on the feelgood factor at the club and do something positive to attract the next generation of Airdrieonians fans to New Broomfield.”
TV star Jordan Young of Scot Squad, Still Game and River City fame also added his weight to the appeal, and will help launch the scheme on Saturday, where he will attend the Supporters Trust stall to sign autographs and get selfies taken, in return for a donation to the Trust.
The scheme got off to the perfect start when every single member of the Airdrieonians Community Club donated strips for the appeal in return for free tickets. Community Club Chairman John Truesdale said: “Our kids love playing with the Airdrie crest, and we want to increase the links with our parent club. We are determined to get as many of our young players along to the games on Saturday, and this is the perfect scheme to do so."
Who are KitAid?
KitAid is a charity set up by, Derrick Williams MBE, who visited Tanzania on a WaterAid supporters' trip in 1998. Derrick, being a mad footie fan, was amazed at the reception he received from children and adults in remote villages just because he wearing his favourite football shirt (Watford, Chesham Utd, Liverpool FC to name a few).
After two weeks in Tanzania, a flame was lit in Derrick's heart and he was on a mission to provide kit and equipment to the bare-footed children playing with footballs made of tied string and plastic bags.
What type of kit can I hand in?
We will accept anything, from football tops, shorts, socks, boots and balls. They can be from any team…Premiership, Foreign, Amateur Teams, School or Boys Brigade.
Is there a limit?
None at all – the more, the better. Even if you don’t have any need for the Free Season Tickets, we will take your donation.
What happens to the strips?
All kit handed in will be stored at the Penny Cars Stadium. In September, volunteers will help to count and sort the strips that are donated over the next two months. We will then package up and transfer to the KitAid HQ in September. Here, the stock will be held until their next Boxing Up Session, where an army of volunteers sort out kit donated from all over the UK. Once ready to distribute, the kit is donated via an network of smaller charities to some of the poorest countries in the world, and is often the only piece of clothing that the recipient has. It’s more than just a shirt.
How long have I got to claim my free Season Ticket?
The scheme will run up until Saturday, August 11th – the first home league game of the season.
What can I do to Help?
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Share the poster and this article on Social Media – as far and wide as possible.
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Can you put some posters up around the shops in your area and work place? Then get in touch!
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Rummage around your loft and drawers for any old kit.
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Do you have any contacts at Youth Groups, Amateur Teams, work teams etc who may have old kit?
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Do you know any schools, youth groups, or families who would benefit from the free tickets and come along to see the Diamonds ? Then please let them know!
For more information, visit :- http://kitaid.net/ or https://www.facebook.com/kitamnesty/ or phone 07790663974