Huntly Football Club donates Christmas presents to help town’s children
A tight-knit football team have pulled together to make Christmas extra special for less-well-off children.
Huntly Football Club’s players wanted to give something back to the community that has supported the team so well throughout 2024.
With Christmas approaching, player-coach Alex Thoirs - a long-serving Huntly defender - approached chairman Gordon Carter to let him know that the players were keen to come together to do something for the town.
The club was put in touch with Gordon Rural Action’s Laura McNeil and agreed to donate presents for children whose families may be struggling at Christmastime.
Alex Thoirs said: “This community has shown us a great deal of support on and off the park - most recently in the cup final where the supporters turned out in large numbers.
“The players, manager and coaching staff collectively came up with the idea that we wanted to give something back to the local community at this time of year.
“We were put in touch with Laura McNeil at Gordon Rural Action and it was decided we would give some gifts to children in our community at this special time of year.
“We fully understand that, although this is a time of joy for most of us, it can also be an extremely difficult time of the year for some families.
“We have a great connection and interest in the community and we would like to help in any way we can.”
Huntly FC chairman Gordon Carter added: “I was greatly heartened when Alex Thoirs approached me on behalf of the squad with the idea of giving something back to the local community in the spirit of Christmas.
“There is a really good bond within this group of management and players and their generosity of spirit towards the Huntly community is a really nice gesture.”
Laura McNeil is delighted to have been approached by the club - adding that some presents have already found a happy home in the town.
She said: “Gordon Rural Action work with many partners in the community to provide support to anyone in need.
“The gifts provided from the Huntly FC players have been gratefully received and some have already been distributed.
“As a charity, we always feel that the community rallies at Christmas to ensure everyone has a special day.
“That’s what makes Huntly great.”
