Gala FR, Vale and Wee Gers join ticket venture

Gala Fairydean Rovers, Vale of Leithen and Berwick Rangers are among the Lowland League teams involved.

The idea was conceived by Raith Rovers supporter Ruaridh Kilgour, who has set up the fundraising website, www.donateaticket.com.

Supporters can ‘buy’ tickets for the matches they would have attended had it not been for the coronavirus shutdown – with all money raised donated back to their club.

Kirkcaldy side Raith have been one of the major beneficiaries, with over £3200 raised thus far, placing them top of the website’s leaderboard, which aims to add a competitive element to the fundraising.

They are one of six SPFL clubs to have backed the scheme thus far, with several other Lowland League clubs also taking part, as well as women’s side Glasgow City.

Ruaridh, who lives in Edinburgh, is hoping other clubs will be encouraged to sign up for the website, which is free to join.

He explained he owned a marketing business in the gambling industry and, since mid-March, it had had no work at all.

“That’s why I set up this project – just something to keep busy with more than anything.

The initial intentions for the website were just to help Raith, whose games Ruaridh has been attending for over 20 years.

“But then I realised it could quickly become something for all clubs,” he said. “A lot of them have their own fundraising things on the go.

“Making my own website meant it took a bit longer so, by the time it was out, a lot of clubs had already gone down the Just Giving or Go Fund Me route.

“I can understand a lot of clubs don’t want to bombard fans with different ways to fundraise, but it’s starting to pick up now.”

Since launching a fortnight ago, over £5500 has been raised for a variety of clubs across Scotland.

Ruaridh stressed his company was not making any profit from the venture. In fact, it has cost him money to set up.

“It’s completely non-profit, free for the clubs, and no commission taken,” he said.

“The transaction fees are actually less than Go Fund Me and Just Giving as well.

“It just seems like a no-brainer for me that they use this instead of those pages, but I can understand there’s a trust element as well, when some random person appears with a website, taking money, they are going to be a bit sceptical.

“That’s where my relationship with Raith meant it was easy enough to get them.

“What I’ve said to most clubs is the fundraising pages plateaux, so this is the perfect one to come out with, once that happens, as a more creative way of asking for money.”

Any club wishing to join the Donate A Ticket scheme can contact Ruaridh at [email protected].