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CHRISTMAS LUNCH BRINGS COMMUNITY TOGETHER AT MCDIARMID PARK
Saints in the Community staff and volunteers once again brought Christmas cheer, kindness and compassion to older people in the community through the 2025 Festive Friends programme, delivered in partnership with The SPFL Trust.
The Festive Friends programme is now in its 10th year, with 2025 marking a particularly significant milestone. Across the country, 41 SPFL clubs and their Community Trusts are supporting around 5,200 older and socially isolated people during the festive period. With the ongoing pressures of the cost-of-living crisis and winter being an especially challenging time for many older people, initiatives like Festive Friends continue to play a vital role in tackling loneliness and social isolation.
As part of this year’s programme, on Wednesday 17th December, Saints in the Community hosted a three-course festive lunch at McDiarmid Park, welcoming over 60 guests for an afternoon of food, friendship and festive fun.
Delivered in partnership with The SPFL Trust, the event was designed to provide a warm, welcoming environment for socially isolated older people in our community. The afternoon included:
- Decorations by The Balloon Studio
- A three-course Christmas meal
- Bingo games and festive activities
- Music by Kimberley Tessa
- Surprise visit from Santa
“My first visit to this event. Enjoy coming to the fortnightly afternoon events but this was wonderful from start to finish.”
The lunch was made even more special thanks to the attendance of several guests. We were delighted to welcome St Johnstone FC Manager Simo Valakari, along with goalkeepers Ross Sinclair and Toby Steward, who spent time chatting with attendees, taking photos and even getting involved in the bingo.
We were also honoured to be joined by Maree Todd MSP, Minister for Social Care, Mental Wellbeing & Sport, Nicky Reid, Chief Executive of The SPFL Trust, and Duncan Mackay, Strategic Football Lead for the Active Scotland Division within the Scottish Government.
After an afternoon filled with food, festive games and dancing, guests were treated to a surprise visit from Santa before leaving McDiarmid Park with their gifts in hand and smiles on their faces.
We would like to extend a huge thank you to everyone who attended and helped make the day so special.