Raith Trust Launches Fundraising Campaign for Youth Development
The Trust recently had a meeting with board of Raith Rovers. One of the topics discussed was the possibility of identifying items in the club’s budget where the Trust could contribute by running fund-raising campaigns. It was agreed by the Trust and the Board that the Youth Development Initiative would benefit from an input of additional funding. To that end the Trust has committed itself to raising £15,000 towards the Youth Development Initiative this season, and the Trust will receive shares in return for its investment.
The other supporters groups do a great job of organising social events to raise funds for the club, and our intention is not to dilute their efforts by organising our own versions of these events. Instead, we plan to invest some of the Trust’s existing money in projects that will generate profits for this great cause. To start this process we will be holding our first “Rovers Den” (just like Dragon’s Den on TV!) on Sunday 21st September at 7.00pm in the Raith Suite at Starks Park, where we will invite anybody who has a good idea but needs some initial start-up money to make it happen to come along and discuss possible financial support. Any idea will be considered – and as well as possibly providing money we will also endeavour to offer whatever non-financial support we can to make sure these projects are successful.
In the meantime, if you would like to talk to someone at the Trust about an idea you might like to bring to the “Rovers Den”, send us an email (fundraising@raithtrust.org.uk), leave us a phone message on 0870 432 1987 or come along to the Trust table in the South Stand at any home match.
There has been a fair amount of internet chatter surrounding boycotting New Bayview and protesting outside the ground after the Willie Gray ticket pricing fiasco. I for one have no intention going and a few others have voiced the same opinion. Again there has been talk of donating the price of entry to the Rovers instead. I realise the board would want nothing to do with this officially (they have dealt with the whole W. Gray nonsense with commendable dignity), but would the Trust be in a position to channel any such donations towards the YDI Fund? I think we as a club have the significant moral high ground on the affair so perhaps something positive like this would not only generate funds for the cause, but give some focus for those choosing not to go and a medium for protest without giving a publicity coup to East Fife should there be protests at Bayview. Just a thought
Interesting idea. I’ve no intention of going either, and will happily give my £13 to the club instead. I think we need to be careful with this though – the team play better when they get good backing from the fans, so the Trust could come in for criticism if it’s seen as encouraging fans not to give the team this support. Am I being over-sensitive to this???
Our “donate” links on the left and at the top of this page are there if anyone wishes to use them though!
Certainly not over-sensitive. I’m wary that it could also provoke a tit for tat response for the next game at Stark’s Park. So I understand completely any reluctance for the Trust as a group to get involved in anything that could be construed as encouraging fans not to support the team or jeopardize the good name of the club.
Anyway, my choice is not to go (even if tickets will be available), so I’ll use the donate button for the entrance fee, a pie, Bovril and programme.
Donation made.
Thanks Jerry – much appreciated!