by Democrat reporter
The Festive Friends programme, delivered by the SPFL Trust, brings together football clubs across Scotland to ensure that no one feels forgotten at Christmas.
The initiative focuses on tackling loneliness by providing festive hampers and creating opportunities for social connection.
This year, the DFC helped to deliver 50 festive hampers to local good causes: Renton Community Development Trust/CATRA, Rock Community Church, Benview Centre, BIEN, Bellsmyre Development Trust, Healthy Hearts, Mentor Scotland, and WDCVS, helping to bring a bit of warmth, company, and festive cheer at what can be a challenging time of year.
Each hamper was filled with thoughtful seasonal items including games, mince pies, chocolates, candles, hand warmers, and other festive treats. Recipients also received a voucher for a complimentary ticket to a future home match at The Marbill Coaches Stadium, offering the chance to enjoy a day at the Rock and stay connected with the club well beyond the festive season.
Colin Hosie, vice-chairman of Dumbarton FC, said: “The organisations were very grateful for the gifts and the consideration given by DFC, the Community Trust and SPFL Trust.
“I have to thank both our Men’s and Women’s Teams for providing players and staff. To Gordon Scanlan and Gerry Gallacher and to Aedan, Eva, Mirren and Natasha who gave up their time to come down to the Club. Their appearance was very much appreciated and helped highlight how the club has changed and is now being seen as more inclusive and community-driven.
“This charitable action has opened further opportunities to help with improving health and wellbeing in the community and especially to 50 people locally this Christmas, who otherwise may have had little. We’d also like to thank Asda Dumbarton for their help too.
“In addition, it has given other organisations who would like to open dialogue with Trust in 2026 the opportunity to do just that.”