West Lothian Community Foundation to host Festive Friends Xmas lunch

dailyrecord.co.uk:

The West Lothian Community Foundation are bringing Christmas cheer to those that need it most this year by taking part in the biggest-ever Festive Friends programme during the holiday season.Festive Friends is an opportunity for football clubs to give back to their local communities with all 42 SPFL clubs taking part in the programme.The campaign has the largest-ever fund this year, a total of £133,000, meaning the programme is expected to support around 4000 people this year.West Lothian Community Foundation staff and volunteers will welcome participants to the ground to enjoy a hot Christmas lunch, fun and games and a gift.The lunch will take place on Thursday, December 22 at 12.30pm in the Almondvale Suite.Festive Friends brings Christmas cheer and companionship to elderly people who are socially isolated and at risk of being alone during the festive season.Hampers usually contain food, snacks, essential toiletries, gifts, games and more.

This year, given the current crisis facing the country, the SPFL Trust has also organised for Age Scotland Friendship Line flyers to be distributed in each hamper featuring helpful information.SPFL Trust CEO Nicky Reid said: “Festive Friends is one of our biggest events at the SPFL Trust and for our colleagues at clubs and community trusts.“It’s all about coming together to have a real impact in the lives of elderly and isolated people over the festive period - reaching more people than ever this year.

It’s the Christmas spirit in action as we see the power of football in spades - with clubs spreading cheer in their communities.“We look forward to supporting more elderly people than ever before, after all kindness never mattered more..”For more information on Festive Friends visit