Kitmas have smashed an initial target of £5000, as they aim to break new records in helping disadvantaged families in the lead up to Christmas
The charity aims to recapture the magic of children getting their favourite kits in a variety of sports, supporting those who cannot find it financially viable in a world of uncertainty and increasing financial demands.
Kitmas was founded by Paul Watson, a former manager of Oceanic national side Pohnpei, Mongolians team Bayangol and currently a consultant of Bhutanese outfit Thimphu City FC and it has grown exponentially since it was set up in November 2020 after the challenging year that COVID-19 brought about.
Former Cheltenham Town director Murry Toms, a key backer of Kitmas explained the idea and how the charity has progressed into something that has garnered attention from national circles.
“Paul (Paul Watson) had a lot of old kit and his idea was just to give it to people for Christmas presents, and from there on we have added a fundraising element.
“We’ve raised £80,000 at the time of writing, which has helped around 5500 to 6000 families so far.
“Loads of people have been involved before, it’s had celebrity support from the likes of James Corden and Gary Lineker.”
The organisation is not willing to stop at its original target, as it hopes to help kids in low-income families enjoy a present that would not have been able to receive previously, with a stretch target in place to hit another 2500 pounds, albeit there is no defined limit.
While the charity has assembled support from well known celebrities, this also extends to sports clubs who aim to bolster their communities in a period where the inequalities between the uber rich, and those worse off becomes more profound.
“Cheltenham Town have done a couple of campaigns in the past.
“Forest Green have been involved, in addition to Exeter City, Bristol City and Bristol Bears rugby club.
“As Christmas approaches the Watsons (Paul and Lizzie Watson) have all these shirts and they work with community centres around the UK to make sure that they get to the right families at Christmas.”
Toms who currently leads the content at the British Horseracing Authority, after 21 years working at Cheltenham Town harked back to his own previous experience when he experienced a ‘magical moment’ of getting a football shirt.
“I recently posted about when I received my first football shirt in 1985.
“I’m quite old I know, but I remember getting a Manchester United shirt and just remember how excited I was to get that.
“You only feel that once, and I think all football fans can resonate with each other akin to your first football match, first football shirt and first football boots.”
