North East Tartan Army raise thousands for The Archie Foundation
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MEMBERS of the North East Tartan Army have smashed their initial fundraising target to raise thousands for The Archie Foundation.
The fan group initially held a small fundraiser which saw members pay £10 each to be randomly drawn with a World Cup side.
Despite not qualifying for the tournament, Scotland were included in the draw.
Participants were also obliged to wear the shirt of the team they drew at a party held afterwards - that included that of the 'Auld Enemy'.
That saw £330 raised but after speaking to The Archie Foundation and hearing more about their work, the group decided to go even further.
Kev Lynch, who runs the fan group , said: "We decided to try and do a little more.
"We agreed to raise more money and personally buy the children presents from local toy shops in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire and set a modest target of £1000 through crowd funding.
"This target was smashed by our members, family and their friends in 24 hours. Our current total is sitting at £3369."
The group have reached out to toy shops in the north east, including Donald's in Peterhead and Smyths toy store, where they will be going along to purchase the presents dressed in their signature kilts as well as Santa hats.
Santa himself and a piper will be going along as well.
"After picking up the gifts we will be personally delivering them to Aberdeen sick children’s hospital with the help of our regular bus provider Millbank Coaches," Kev added.
And the group aren't finished fundraising yet. This Sunday, November 20, will see the group take part in a charity football match at Davidson Park, Longside.
There, the group will participate in the inaugural Murdoch Allan Cup where a team consisting of members from the North East Tartan Army will take on Peterhead United.
The teams will also be joined on the day by kids from various primary schools in the north east who will act as mascots and ball boys and girls.
A replica World Cup trophy will be there on the day for people to have their picture taken with.
