The Killie Community
Gill Sherry
This year, Ayrshire Does Strictly once again raised money for The Killie Community, Kilmarnock FC’s charity. Although the exact amount has yet to be confirmed, Cathy Jamieson, Chair of the Board of Trustees, is able to explain exactly how the money will benefit the charity.
“The Killie Community provides activities for people of all ages, from the youngest kids who come to our Killie Kickers up to older people who come along to health and fitness programmes. There’s also the Football Memories group for those affected by dementia.”
It’s very much about providing people with an opportunity to be part of a community and promoting both mental and physical wellbeing. It encourages social connections and friendships without any pressure or stigmatisation.
“We started a group last winter,” Cathy confirms, “when the weather was really bad, trying to encourage people to come in and have a cup of tea or some hot soup, rather than sit in a cold house by themselves. That has grown into the weekly Killie Get Together.”
This is open to all and takes place every Wednesday afternoon from 3pm till 5pm. For those who fancy stretching their legs, they can choose to take part in either a one hour or two hour walk prior to the Get Together.
“There’s a mixture of retired people and folk with minor disabilities who still want to try and get a walk… or they can just come in and have a chat.”
In addition, there is a whole range of programmes for kids, including those with learning or physical disabilities, including the football programmes that have proved particularly popular over the years.
“There’s something quite nice about folk being able to come along to events at the football club and to have fun with the Killie Community. They’re not being referred to a particular programme or told that they have to do things. They can come along just because it’s enjoyable.”
The charity is currently focusing its attention on Christmas, as Cathy explains: “We’re aiming to fill 500 boxes with Christmas goodies so we can make up hampers and give out to people in the local community… families who are maybe feeling the cost of living crisis, or young people leaving care.”
If you are able to contribute, the charity is accepting donations of food items suitable for a hamper, along with Christmas crackers and other festive goods. If you would prefer to donate something on a more personal level, please contact the charity directly for details of gifts that can be purchased with a specific young person in mind.
“It would be absolutely fantastic if readers could help out with that,” Cathy says. “They can contact myself – cathyjamieson@kilmarnockfc.co.uk – or Jordan Allison, the charity manager – jordanallison@kilmarnockfc.co.uk.
In the meantime, the comprehensive programme will continue to provide support to people of all ages, stages, backgrounds and circumstances with a view to promoting mental and physical wellbeing and tackling social inequalities. This is thanks, in part, to the money raised from Ayrshire Does Strictly so a huge thank you goes not just to the organisers but to all who took part, attended or donated.
www.kilmarnockfc.co.uk/community
