Emergency Services Football Challenge for the Killie Charity Cup
Two of Kilmarnock’s emergency services are set to battle it out on the football pitch, but the real winners will be a local children’s charity.
Teams from Kilmarnock Community Fire Station and the local Scottish Ambulance Service will be on opposite sides of the pitch.
They will face each other at 2.30pm on Sunday, 29 June at Portland Park, the home of Troon Football Club, where they will compete for the Killie Charity Cup.
All proceeds raised on the day will go towards local children’s charity, Crosshouse Hospital Children’s Fund.
Visitors are welcome to cheer on the teams and entry to the game is free, with donations to the charity being accepted at the gate.
Local businesses have pledged their support, by sponsoring players, providing a team bus and a local catering company has developed an emergency services menu to ensure fans don’t go hungry.
Bringing some half time entertainment will be local dance company Jam Street School of Dance.
Crew Commander and Team Fire Captain Leroy Shaw, is based at Kilmarnock Community Fire Station, said: “We’re used to working in close partnership with our Scottish Ambulance Service colleagues, but this time, we’ll be in opposition, and we’ll be looking to win! However, both teams are joining forces and hoping to have the support of our local communities. This is ultimately all about raising funds for a great cause and to help children from our local area. We hope it’s going to be a fun, entertaining day.”
Kilmarnock Community Fire Station supports Crosshouse Hospital Children’s Fund and has raised more than £5,000 from holding various events at the station
Thousands of visitors have flocked to the station and have enjoyed celebrations marking Halloween, summer and Easter, with free entertainment and snacks provided by local suppliers.
Additionally, the fire station’s bees have produced jars of honey, with sales proceeds also donated to the charity.
Crew Commander Shaw has also visited Crosshouse Hospital to see the impact of their fundraising.
The funds are helping the charity to provide family support services, specialist play, and a decorating project called ‘colour for Crosshouse’, which is transforming the children’s ward by injecting some brightness and colour.
As well as the football match, there are further events planned at Kilmarnock Community Fire Station, which include a wild west themed summer event on 20 July and Killieween on 31 Oct.