Westdyke Community Club, one of the largest grassroots football clubs in the North-east, has partnered with the Gathimba Edwards Foundation (GEF) to support disadvantaged children, not just locally, but across the globe.
Through the partnership, Westdyke is donating pre-loved football kits and sportswear to GEF, a charity working to improve the lives of children in Kenya and in Scotland. While many of the kits will make their way to Kenya with volunteers next summer, others are being used right now to raise funds through the charity’s clothes bank, directly supporting GEF’s education, shelter, and wellbeing projects.
“We were overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity shown by Westdyke. From the initial kit donations to their continued support of our work, it was clear that this club shared our values of inclusivity, opportunity and making a difference,” said Kayleigh Paterson-Donald, GEF charity development lead.
The partnership with Westdyke Community Club, which supports over 600 football players and 140 volunteer coaches across boys’, girls’, and adult teams, began after a parent at the club suggested donating old football kits to GEF.
The partnership between GEF and Westdyke continues to move forward, with GEF involved in the club’s key events throughout the year, including the teams’ trophy day in June, and players will be partaking in the charity’s upcoming Safari Series fun run at Duthie Park on 18th May.
Gillian Robson, vice secretary at Westdyke Community Club said: “We are proud to use our platform to support GEF’s incredible work. We have built a strong relationship with GEF, and we are keen to support them as they continue to do amazing work both overseas and locally here in the North-east.”
For more information about how GEF is making a difference visit: www.gathimbaedwardsfoundation.org