MORE than $10,000 has been donated to Glasgow Children’s Hospital by organisations across Rhode Island's Providence in a gesture of “gratitude and friendship” following the “unforgettable impact” the Tartan Army had on the city.
GoProvidence and the Rhode Island Sports Commission (RISC) announced they made a $5000 donation to the Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity to “honour” the Tartan Army for bringing a “sense of community” while they visited the city during the World Cup.
The gift sparked an immediate wave of generosity across the city with local bars and restaurants quickly coming together to contribute an additional $5500 of their own,
Businesses including Hot Club, G Pub, Track 15, Trinity Brewhouse, Murphy’s, and Rollers all contributed to the donation, which will go towards providing vital care for young patients at Scotland's largest children's hospital.
“This is our small way of giving back to a group that gave so much to us,” said Kristen Adamo, president & CEO of GoProvidence.
“The Tartan Army reignited Rhode Islanders’ love for Providence. They brought joy, a sense of community, and a whole lot of bagpipes everywhere they went. We miss them terribly — and we hope this gesture shows just how grateful we are.”
The Tartan Army’s celebrations became one of the defining stories of this year’s World Cup as tens of thousands of Scots made the trip to Boston and the surrounding areas to cheer on Scotland in their first appearance at the tournament in 28 years.
While Scotland’s team competed on the world stage and won their first match at the World Cup since 1990 thanks to a John McGinn strike against Haiti, the Tartan Army created an “incredible at mosphere in the city,” RISC said.
Organisers behind the donation said the Scotland supporters managed to create an “infectious spirit” in the city while their songs filled the streets, bars, ferries, and waterfront, turning Providence into an honorary Scottish home base.
During their stay in the city, the Tartan Army raised $10,000 for Hasbro Children’s Hospital, while also donating a further $6500 to the Rhode Island Highlanders Pipe Band and the Tartan Army Sunshine Appeal gave an additional $5000 to Project Goal, a local youth football charity.
“Sports have a unique ability to build bridges, and the connection between Providence and the Tartan Army is proof of that,” said Jonathan Walker, executive director of the Rhode Island Sports Commission.
“Their energy transformed our city. Supporting the Glasgow Children’s Hospital is the least we can do to honor the friendship they extended to us.”
Anyone who wishes to learn more or donate can do so here.
