Every year, thousands of people take part in the Kiltwalk to raise money for charities across Scotland, and it’s kicking off with the Glasgow event on 30th April. Everyone who is walking for the STV Children’s Appeal or the Kiltwalk charity at Kiltwalk Glasgow will see every pound they raise go straight to Andy Robertson’s charity, AR26.
AR26 was launched in 2020 by Scotland Captain and Liverpool player Andy Robertson MBE who is passionate about creating chances for children in Scotland, closing the gap on disadvantage and levelling the playing field. AR26 champions change for children, using the passion and power of sport to engage and inspire tomorrow’s generation both on and off the pitch. They do this via three core community programmes delivered across Scotland, including free football sessions and football camps; support for children transitioning from primary to secondary or those who are disengaging from school; and creating magical experiences for children and young people who need it most.
Kiltwalk funds will go to the Football for All project, which offers free football sessions and holiday programmes, which also provide food for children, tackling the increasing concern of holiday hunger.
Andy Robertson MBE, Founder of AR26, said: “I believe that every child should have the chance to play football with no barriers and this is why one of our core programmes is Football for All. This free football provision was launched in April 2021 and is an annual programme, currently delivered in five regions across Scotland. The uptake of the programme and positive impact on participants, families and wider communities across the five regions has been overwhelming, however, we have been inundated with requests from across Scotland to bring the provision to more locations. We know in current times, this programme is needed more than ever and partnerships like this one with the STV Children’s Appeal and Kiltwalk are vital, assisting us to double our current regions this year.
This is the beginning of a huge journey as we aim to have 26 Football for All programmes across Scotland by 2026, and we ask you to join us upfront in our mission and take part in this year’s Glasgow Kiltwalk with the STV Children’s Appeal, making a direct difference to children and young people across Scotland.”
Natalie from the STV Children’s Appeal added: “AR26 does inspirational work with children across Scotland and we’re proud to partner with them on this year’s Glasgow Kiltwalk. Whether you’re walking 3, 14 or 23 miles, every pound raised for the STV Children’s Appeal will go to Andy’s charity, helping disadvantaged children and creating positive opportunities for every young person that takes part. The Kiltwalk is fun, emotional and inspiring so I’d urge you to sign up, look out your trainers and tartan and help make a difference to children who need it most. To everyone taking part, we are truly grateful.”
This year’s Kiltwalk kicks off on 30 April in Glasgow, followed by Aberdeen on 4 June, Dundee on 20 August and the final event takes place in Edinburgh on 17 September. Sign up to walk for STV Children’s Appeal here.
The STV Children’s Appeal has been the Kiltwalk’s official grant making partner since 2016. This means that money raised by people choosing to walk for Kiltwalk is dispersed by the STV Children’s Appeal to charities and projects across Scotland. Previous projects funded include Calum’s Cabin Flat, which provides living space for children with cancer and their families who visit the city for treatment; the CRIB, a community reach and inclusion bus in East Lothian; and support for charities responding urgently to the pandemic.
