On the ball for charity

Dec 23 2008 by Gordon Bannerman, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

BIG hearted St Johnstone fans, family and friends are ready to hit the road to raise cash for the football club and local charities.

With Saints having a free weekend looming in January, an unofficial fans website has come up with an imaginative community fundraising initiative.

Back in the sixties, fans took on a sponsored walk at Muirton Park.

Now, fans website Weareperth is encouraging supporters to step out for charity on January 10 at McDiarmid Park.

Saints’ cup clash with Rangers is re-scheduled for the midweek.

The beneficiaries of the “Massive Blue and White Saintees Walk” will be Saints, the PRI Macmillan Palliative Care Unit and PADS, the Perthshire Abandoned Dogs Society.

One of the organisers said: “This is a first for McDiarmid Park and we’re getting a great reaction.

“The charities we have selected are both local and they are delighted with the support they are getting from St Johnstone and the fans.”

Depending on weather conditions on the day, part of the walk could be inside the stadium.

St Johnstone managing director Stewart Duff welcomed the latest initiative from supporters.

He said: “The walk will start at 11am and involve a few laps of the stadium and artificial pitch. The club is delighted to support this.

“Sponsorship forms are now available from the stadium.”

Businesses who are club sponsors will get a namecheck in the match day programme if they donate more than £50 to the cause.