OPEN LETTER TO OUR SUPPORTERS | BIG HEARTS COMMUNITY TRUST

Dear Big Hearts Supporters,

As we finally say goodbye to 2020, Big Hearts would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for the help and amazing support over the past year.

No doubt 2020 has been a very challenging year for many, if not all, of us. Personal and professional lives have been turned upside down, leaving those most vulnerable in higher need of assistance.

Amidst all the turmoil brought by the Covid-19 pandemic, we find comfort in recognising the incredible resilience of the communities we live and work in. This starts with you: our community of big-hearted supporters.

From the first day of the schools closure back in March up until Christmas Day last week, we have been absolutely blown away by the kindness and offers of help from brand-new and long-time Big Hearts Supporters.

As an ambitious charity with a dedicated team of 9 staff, your individual efforts helped Big Hearts go above and beyond in 2020.

By supporting others most in need at the most difficult of times, Hearts fans, Big Hearts volunteers, Edinburgh residents and partner organisations have demonstrated once again that together we are more than football, we are family.

From volunteering to support elderly Hearts fans shielding at home, to taking part in our virtual Cup Final Challenge or donating thousands of children’s gifts before Christmas, you have made such a positive difference.

Thank you, we are ever so grateful. The list is too long to name everyone, but know that we do appreciate every gesture and message of support.

2020 has initiated some changes for Big Hearts. As an establish third-sector organisation within Scottish football, we’ve developed alternative ways to deliver vital support, built successful partnerships with like-minded organisations and extended the scope of our work across the local community.

Our charity is currently working on setting a new strategic direction for 2021-2025 and anyone is welcome to getting involved in shaping the future of Big Hearts. More details will be announced in the next few weeks.

Our active contribution to the Covid-19 recovery of South West Edinburgh communities, through the GoBeyond Network and our nomination by the Scottish Government’s as the ‘Community Anchor Organisation’ for Gorgie/Dalry, will continue in 2021.

Food insecurities, poor mental health or social isolation will not go away in January. Big Hearts remains as committed as ever to continuing the hard work throughout 2021 and beyond, hopefully with you by our side.

Whilst we are looking forward to brighter days ahead, and long-awaited opportunities to celebrate in person our joint achievements, we would like to wish you and your loved ones a happy, healthy and inspiring New Year 2021!

Thanks for your continued support and stay safe,
Big Hearts Community Trust