A winter clothes appeal, which asked St Mirren fans and the local community to donate warm clothing and jackets for those in need, has been overwhelmed with donations.
Now, the team behind the initiative, are opening the doors of the SMiSA Stadium on Saturday 3rd December between 10am and 4pm at the concourse in the Main Stand for those who are in need of warm clothing this winter.
Those attending will be able to choose from a range of jackets, free of charge Additionally, soup and a roll will be available on the day, made with help from young people at Kibble’s Skills Academy, with Scottish Leather Group covering the cost of the hot lunch.
The group of local businesses has donated clothing items including hats, scarves, jumpers, boots and blankets to Accord Hospice in Paisley who will sell these items at their shop on Morton Avenue, all proceeds from these sales will remain with Accord Hospice.
The initiative, led by St Mirren, Kibble and Scottish Leather Group, asked fans attending matches at the SMiSA Stadium to bring along any warm items of clothing that they no longer required, while staff at the organisations were encouraged to do the same.
Young people from Kibble have now come together with volunteers from Scottish Leather Group and St Mirren to sort through all donations this week ahead of Saturday 3rd December, with the team 'overwhelmed' by the number of items received.
The three organisations now hope that the donations can support those in need within the local area ahead of what is set to be a tough winter and decided to host an open day at the football club to reach as many people as possible. Any leftover items will be donated to a warm clothing bank.
Keith Lasley, chief operating officer at St Mirren Football Club, said: "Community is at the core of St Mirren Football Club and we see that each and every day across our players, our fans and our people.
"The winter clothing appeal with Kibble and Scottish Leather Group is just another great example of the generosity and passion shown by fans and we couldn’t be prouder to be part of the initiative. We truly hope that we can support those in need throughout what is set to be a difficult winter and will continue to do what we can within the local community."
Jim Gillespie, chief executive of Kibble, said: "The donations received as part of our winter clothing appeal with St Mirren and Scottish Leather Group has gone beyond what any of us imagined. The enormous generosity shown by fans, the local community, and staff at each of the organisations is fantastic and we are thrilled to be part of the campaign.
"Our young people have been working closely with volunteers to help sort the donations and will be helping attendees at St Mirren on 3 December find clothing to suit them. They are delighted to be part of this initiative, as is everyone at Kibble."
Nicholas Muirhead, chief commercial officer at Scottish Leather Group, said: "It has been truly overwhelming and humbling to have received such an outpouring of donations as part of the appeal – we couldn’t have imagined it being quite so successful.
"Our staff have been incredibly generous and, with the items donated from St Mirren fans and the wider community, we have a fantastic amount of jackets and other warm clothing available. As one of Paisley’s largest organisations and employers, we are committed to supporting our local community and truly hope that we can bring some relief to those in need."
Any charities or foodbanks looking for donations should contact kibble@bigpartnership.co.uk
