The Warm Welcome initiative is being supported by a sea of Jambos ready to ‘paint the city maroon’ on 13 September.
Warm Welcome has been announced as the beneficiary of this year’s fundraising efforts when Jambos walk from Holyrood to Murrayfield as part of the Kiltwalk event.
Every Wednesday in the 1874 Fans Bar at Tynecastle Park, a selection of seasonal dishes, free hot drinks & juice are available free of charge for people living, working or studying in this part of the city. An average of 90 people come through the Stadium doors every week. Warm Welcome is about far more than a nutritious hot meal; it’s about dignity, connection, and ensuring people have a safe and friendly place to be, especially during challenging times.
The Club charity launched their campaign ‘Let’s paint this city maroon’ earlier this summer, encouraging supporters to don the badge with pride across Edinburgh on 13 September. The gathering aims to demonstrate that football can lift up communities, with thousands of pounds expected to be raised in the next few weeks.
Julia Coley, Fundraising Manager at Big Hearts said: “When you come along to Warm Welcome, you can feel how special it is for the people in the room. There’s a real sense of belonging here. It’s humbling to see so many Hearts fans stepping up to support the project, and making our 10th participation in the Kiltwalk the biggest yet. Every step and every donation will help us keep the doors open, the plates full, and the community connected. Thank you.”
Warm Welcome was set up by Big Hearts in January 2022, to offer short-term winter time relief for local families and individuals affected by the cost of living crisis. The high demand sustained well into the following summer and Warm Welcome quickly became a permanent provision for local seniors, youth groups and isolated people. In the last season only, over 3600 community meals were served in the 1874 Fans Bar.
Want to Paint the city Maroon and support Warm Welcome? Register today.
