Donation drive raises thousands in hours

EVO-STIK Northern Premier League Scarborough Athletic have raised over £2,500 from fans in just 24 hours thanks to an ingenious charity scheme for matching donations.

The Seadogs launched their ‘Grow Your Tenner’ initiative at 10am on Tuesday after signing up to a scheme run by Localgiving, an online fundraising platform, following a number of recent low attendances at their temporary home at Bridlington's Queensgate.

The campaign has been made possible thanks to a 'Grow Your Tenner' match fund pot of over £500,000 that includes a £250,000 grant from the Office for Civil Society.

Despite being confident of raising funds with their generous fans, officials at the First Division North club have still been stunned by the huge response, with more than £500 donated on the launch day and much more pledged as part of monthly donations initiative.

The 'Grow Your Tenner' campaign helps local community groups, sports clubs and charities by doubling any one-time donations made online pound-for-pound up to £10, and monthly donations up to £10 per month for six months.

The deal means a single donation of £10 made will generate £20.00 while a monthly donation of £10 has the potential to net as much as £120 for Boro over six months.

Scarborough Athletic Director Paul Curson is thrilled with the rapid success of the new scheme to raise funds.

He said: "To raise over £2,500 in the first 24 hours is tremendous and the board cannot thank our loyal fans enough for their exceptional support. Decreasing recent attendances are of concern and this match funding scheme is helping to make up the shortfall.

"There still is, however, a large pot of match funding to target and so, if fans can continue to contribute either by a one-off donation or a monthly contribution, matched for six months guaranteed, then our club can really benefit from this scheme, which runs to 31st January 2015."

In a message to fans, he added: "If you have a spare £10 or cannot make a game and want to donate then this really is a terrific and efficient way to boost club funds."

For more information visit: www.localgiving.com/scarboroughathletic

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