WE ARE STANDING TOGETHER!!
‘WE’ means the directors, the business continuity working group, the players and management team – but most of all our wonderful fans whose support since we launched this appeal just over a week ago has been truly fantastic. Thanks to them we have already raised over £10,000 towards our target of £50,000. Understandably many fans are asking for more detail about where the money is coming from and what it’s going to be spent on, so here are the headlines.
From government:
Although the mechanism for claiming them is not yet up and running, all the signs are positive for us benefiting from:
- no business rates in 20/21 – not included in our £50k target but a very big saving;
- a grant of £25,000 which, so far as we know, will have no strings attached. This grant is to help small businesses in certain sectors including sport;
- support for wages – the so-called furloughed workers scheme whereby we should be eligible for a grant to pay 80% of the wages of players, managers and key staff. This is also not included in our £50k target. The support from the players has been absolutely brilliant, agreeing to forgo wages if we can’t get grants to cover them.
From fans:
We have so far received wonderful support from:
- the sale of shares: click here for the letter which the Chairmen sent to existing shareholders on March 20th which kick started the Save Stafford Rangers campaign
- ‘purchase’ of virtual match day packages – a great way to support the club with small amounts whenever you feel the need for a nostalgia trip to Marston Road which has already raised an incredible £1,313!
- miscellaneous donations – with many thanks to the Social Club Committee who have donated £2,000, Northern Soul who donated £200 and Shaun Reynolds and the Up The Boro Facebook page whose virtual football matches have raised £100. Be inventive. Think Sport Relief and come up with wild and whacky schemes to raise money!
Money raised from and by fans, will be used – and only used – to support our business continuity plan to keep the club going through these troubled times and ensure that when the Boro takes the field again it does so in the best possible condition. The league threw us a lifeline – let’s make the most of it!
Up The Boro!!!
