Ahead of Rangers’ Europa League final against Frankfurt in Seville tonight, we’re thanking superstar striker Kemar Roofe for smashing his fundraising target for Emmaus Glasgow.
Kemar set up a Go Fund Me page with the goal of raising £5,000 in exchange for the chance to win the shirt he wore when he scored his first hat trick for the Club. He later also added a pair of football boots to the prizes.
The winners of the shirt and boots have now been contacted, with fantastic donors raising a staggering £7,938 for Emmaus Glasgow, Kemar’s management YMU Group said.
The Jamaican international announced the fundraiser on his social media accounts last month, following Rangers’ 4-0 win against St Mirren, played away at the SMiSA Stadium in Renfrewshire on April 10.
Commenting on his Go Fund Me page, Kemar said: “Do you want to join me in making a difference? I’m raising money in aid of Emmaus Glasgow. Thank you in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to me.
“Emmaus (pronounce E-May-Us) is a homeless charity with a difference. They don’t just give people a bed for the night; they offer a home and meaningful work, training and a sense of belonging. They offer supported accommodation for 29 people who have experienced homelessness. They also support soup kitchens, food banks and provide free furniture to those most in need in the city.
Thanks for your donations to help those in need.”
In its first two weeks, Kemar received over £4,000 in pledges, with donors leaving messages of support.
“I’ll never forget seeing a sign in Glasgow ‘today sleeping bags, tomorrow bodybags’. Hopefully one day we can rid homelessness in Scotland,” from Gavin Anderson.
“People should not be sleeping on the street in 21st century Scotland,” from Trevor Ross.
Director of Emmaus Glasgow, Richard Allwood, said the homelessness charity was honoured to have received such support from the top flight Rangers player.
“We’ve been in touch with the Club and contacted Kemar’s management to express our heartfelt thanks to the Rangers FC player for setting up this fundraiser. We wish him the best of luck following his return from injury in the Europa League final in Seville tonight.
“We have invited Kemar to Emmaus Glasgow’s community building and charity shops on his return, so he can see how this money will be spent, supporting people in crisis and people building their lives back after homelessness. The people who live and work here would be delighted to show Kemar how this money will make a difference.”
If you would like to fundraise for Emmaus Glasgow, like Rangers FC player Kemar Roofe, please visit our Support Us section for ideas.