£10,000 Marks 10 Years of the Pars Supporters' Trust
Wednesday, 20th Aug 2014The Pars Supporters' Trust is celebrating its 10th anniversary this season.
What better way for the Pars Supporters Trust (PST) to kick off those celebrations than by handing over a cheque for £10,000 to DAFC at the opening game of the 2014/15 campaign.
Who, at East End Park in July 2004, would have thought that in just 10 years the PST would own around 27% of the shares in the Pars’ holding company Pars United CIC making them the single largest shareholder? Not only that, but the PST has two seats on the Board of Pars United as well as representation on the Boards of DAFC and of the company (Pars United (EEP) Ltd) which owns the stadium. This means that the PST can play a key role in the running of the Club and members have the opportunity to elect the representatives who give them a voice at the top table.
Receiving the cheque on behalf of DAFC was Chairman, Bob Garmory. Bob commented "This is another significant contribution from the PST. It's been well documented that this season will be a difficult one for the Club financially as we strive for promotion from the 3rd tier of Scottish football and the timing of this latest contribution could not be better. Fans’ organisations like the PST will be absolutely vital for the sustainability of this football club in the months and years ahead".
The Pars Supporters' Trust started with just 33 founder members in 2004 and has grown to its current membership level of around 800, making it one of the best supported Trusts in the country. As well as increasing its shareholding through regular subscriptions for new shares, the PST also supports the Club in other ways such as providing funding for things like specialist physio equipment, the first mini-bus for Community use (affectionately known as the 'Sammy van') and maintenance projects around East End Park.
But easily the most important part played by the PST over the last ten years was its role in 2013 when the Pars faced liquidation. They administered the 'Buy the Pars' campaign which raised over £150,000 in just four months whilst also setting up the Staff Support Fund to help both players and backroom staff when wages weren't being paid in full.
PST Chair and DAFC Board member, Margaret Ross said "It's amazing to think we've been going for ten years already. So much has happened at the Club in that time. However we're not resting on our laurels and have a number of fund raising initiatives planned for this special anniversary year. We've already pledged to contribute even more to the Club before the end of the season but none of this would be possible if it wasn't for the generosity of our members and all those who have supported the various events we've hosted over the years".
More information about the Pars Supporters’ Trust can be found at www.parssupporterstrust.co.uk
Picture above shows Bob Garmory being presented with the cheque by representatives of PST.
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