Community

JOIN TEAMDUCT FOR KILTWALK 2021!

23rd February 2021

Team DUCT is back for 2021 and is taking part in this year's virtual Kiltwalk to raise vital funds to continue delivering projects such as Festive Friends and our unique Para Sports Club - as well as crisis support during and after Covid-19. 

We’re recruiting new members to join our team on 23rd – 25th April and everyone walking for the Community Trust will receive a free exclusive TeamDUCT T-shirt and their entry fee covered by us. 

Thanks to the amazing efforts of our Kiltwalkers in 2020 we were able to significantly enhance the support we could provide over the festive period, with 215 meals and grocery bags delivered in partnership with Balhousie Care Group to isolated and/or vulnerable individuals and families in our community.  The funds raised complemented grant support from the SPFL Trust and donations from local businesses including Co-Op Scotmid.  This meant the funds raised through Kiltwalk could reach even further, with DUCT providing significant crisis support throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. 

The impact of the pandemic is still being felt in communities across the globe and Dundee is no different. Many of the people we support every day were already experiencing real disadvantage, something the pandemic has amplified. We’ve already delivered a Burns Support Dinner for people at risk of isolation and loneliness. We also have plans in place for further food distribution and crisis support in the coming months and for our Para Sports Club which provides opportunities for children, young people and adults with a disability to take part in sport.  We’ll be adding more activities and sessions this year, with the long-term aim of being the biggest and best sports club for people with a disability in Scotland.  All of this is only possible with the support of generous fundraisers and donors. 

As for Festive Friends 2021, planning has already started to make this event even bigger and better than ever before.  While we’re we hoping that Christmas 2021 will see the return of the project to Tannadice Park, we’re planning for a blended approach that sees the impact extend beyond only Christmas Day to ensure we provide extended support to those who need it. 

Jamie Kirk, DUCT Chief Executive said, “2020 taught us a lot about how agile we can be as an organisation and we’re really keen to take what we’ve learned into our future plans.  We’re determined to make Festive Friends 2021 the biggest and best yet, and with a bar set at 215 beneficiaries in 2020 we certainly have a challenge on our hands.  We know we can do it with the help of TeamDUCT though and we’re all really grateful for those taking part in Kiltwalk and to those donating to support the walkers.” 

Steve Ross has already joined TeamDUCT and added, “I’m taking part in the 2021 Virtual Kiltwalk to provide DUCT with funds to continue the excellent work that they carry out throughout the local community.” 

Gordon Farqhuarson has also joined TeamDUCT for 2021 and confirmed, “This will be my fifth Kiltwalk walking for DUCT.  Some ask why do I do it?  The answer is simple, I enjoy walking and if I can help others by doing something I enjoy, then why not?  Please help us meet our target by donating what you can or by joining us on the walk as part of TeamDUCT.” 

You can Join TeamDUCT by emailing jamie.kirk@dundeeunitedct.co.uk in the first instance.  By being part of - or donating to - TeamDUCT you can help us provide vital support as we recover from Covid-19 as well as ensuring that come Christmas 2021, we’re able to deliver an even bigger and better Festive Friends project than ever before.