The festive season in Milton Keynes was made even brighter this year thanks to a series of heartwarming events organised by the SET (Sports and Education Trust) team. Throughout December, the SET team worked closely with a number of local charities, schools, and community members to spread Christmas cheer and create special memories for individuals and families across the city. Here’s a rundown of the standout moments:
18th December - Age UK Partnership
In the spirit of giving, SET’s collaboration with Age UK saw players from the Men’s First Team take part in a Christmas present distribution event. The team visited 45 individuals who regularly attend sessions hosted by Age UK, delivering presents to brighten their festive season. The event not only brought joy to attendees but also highlighted the strong connection between the team and the local community.
18th December - Macintyre Christmas Visit
On the same day, Donnie and Mooie, the club’s beloved mascots, made a special visit to Macintyre Café. Their goal was to assist both café guests and workers in beginning their Christmas celebrations. The visit was a wonderful opportunity to engage with the café's patrons and ensure everyone felt the joy of the season, fostering a sense of inclusivity and warmth within the community.
21st December - Festival of Football
The Festival of Football, held at Fairfields on the 21st, was a true celebration of sport and community spirit. More than 600 players, including participants from SET’s playing pathways, came together for a fun-filled day of football. The event allowed individuals of all ages and skill levels to enjoy the beautiful game, creating lasting memories and strengthening connections among local players.
22nd December - SET Inclusion Parties
The inclusivity of SET was at the forefront of their celebrations on the 22nd. SET hosted two parties specifically designed for inclusion players.
These parties provided a safe and welcoming space for participants to enjoy a day of football activities, meet players from the Men’s and Women’s teams, and even interact with Santa Claus himself.
The event was a joyous occasion that celebrated the diversity of the community, ensuring that everyone could take part in the festive fun.
23rd December (AM) - Holiday Drop and Shop Session
On the morning of 23rd December, SET hosted a Holiday Drop and Shop session that allowed 74 children to enjoy a fun and safe environment while their parents took the opportunity to do their Christmas shopping. This thoughtful initiative provided peace of mind for busy parents, knowing their children were entertained with activities and games, allowing for a stress-free shopping experience during the holiday rush.
23rd December (AM) - Christmas Hamper Distribution
In another show of generosity, SET distributed 168 family hampers, providing support to over 650 people across Milton Keynes. The hampers, which were packed with essential food items for a festive Christmas meal, helped to bring a sense of togetherness to many local families during the holiday season.
Thanks to the generous contributions from sponsors such as Suzuki, Marshalls, Jim Marshalls Foundation, MIRKA, Equity Energies, Penning Group, and Reedbut, the hampers were distributed by volunteers, bringing festive joy to many households. In total, the hampers provided over 2,600 meals, demonstrating the tremendous impact of the community’s support.
23rd December (PM) - Young Dons Christmas Party
The afternoon of 23rd December saw the Young Dons Christmas Party, where over 350 children came together for a festive celebration. The children had the opportunity to enjoy a fun-filled afternoon, complete with football activities and a meet-and-greet with players from both the Men’s and Women’s teams.
The event was a heartwarming occasion, with many young fans leaving with memories to treasure for years to come.
Looking Ahead: January 2024 – HAF Programme
The festive fun continues into the new year as SET prepares for its exciting HAF (Holiday Activities and Food) Programme, set to run from 30th December to 3rd January. Over the course of these days, SET will be providing 60 children a day with an action-packed schedule of activities, including sports, games, and other engaging opportunities to learn and play.
In addition, the programme will offer a hot meal each day to ensure children and their families have the support they need as they prepare to return to school. This initiative will provide much-needed support to local families, ensuring that children remain active, engaged, and well-fed during the holiday break.
The SET team’s efforts this December showcase the power of community and the importance of coming together during the festive season. Through sports, events, and generous charitable activities, the team has made a positive impact on the lives of many people in Milton Keynes, ensuring that everyone, regardless of age or background, could experience the joy of Christmas. A big thank you goes to the volunteers, sponsors, and everyone involved in making these events possible. With the HAF programme in January, SET continues to support the community well into the new year, ensuring that the festive spirit lasts beyond the holidays.