Fans of Dundee’s football clubs have been praised for their support of a new foodbank project this season.
Fans Supporting Foodbanks Dundee has collected £10,000 in cash donations along with food and other supplies throughout the campaign.
The group, which aims to tackle food poverty, collects donations from Dundee and Dundee United supporters outside Dens Park and Tannadice on big matchdays.
The money has gone directly to Lochee Larder while the food has been donated to foodbanks across all eight of the city’s council wards.
Group ‘blown away’ by support
Marty Smith, who leads the project, says he has been “blown away” by the support of the community – including fans, players, students and politicians – since its launch last July.
The 32-year-old said: “We are absolutely delighted with the fundraising activity from this season.
“We never expected to collect anything near £10,000.
“The volunteers at Lochee Larder have been out collecting with us weekly and have really appreciated the support.
“It has been really heart-warming to see how the city puts aside football rivalries to ensure those who are struggling most are looked after.
“The initiative continues to go from strength to strength – whether that’s through the level of donations we are seeing at Dens and Tannadice, or the number of people who are willing to volunteer their time and stand out in all weathers collecting for us.”
Dundee players have shown their support for the project with a table set up at their training grounds for players to donate.
Dundee United have thrown their weight behind the project too, providing complimentary tickets for volunteers whenever they are collecting at Tannadice.
Marty said: “It was great to get the support of Dundee FC players earlier this season and see them in the local press speaking about the importance of initiatives like ours.
“We will be meeting with both Dundee and Dundee United during the next couple of weeks (to discuss) how we can grow even more with their continued support next season.”
Fans Supporting Foodbanks Dundee will be hosting an end of season event with Lochee Larder on Saturday June 17.
The group will then have a short break before focusing on next season.
Fans Supporting Foodbanks Dundee is part of a UK-wide network, which stems from an anti-poverty project founded by football fans in Liverpool.
