May 7 – Scottish top tier club Hibernian have donated next season’s premium front of shirt sponsorship position to the NHS and is launching a series of events and activities that will raise money for the health service in Scotland.
Working in partnership with NHS Lothian and the Hibernian Community Foundation, the club will carry out fundraising throughout the season and expects to raise a six-figure donation to the NHS charity. The club is also donating a minimum of 100 tickets to NHS staff for all of the home matches, with fans being invited to participate in fundraising to help fund more.
Hibs have launched their new season shirt with the message ‘Thank You NHS’ in the premium ad position.
Greg McEwan, head of marketing and brand partnerships at Hibernian, said: “We are fortunate that a number of friends of the club have made donations that will help us cover the commercial loss.” An Scottish Premier League shirt value is for most clubs between £350,000 to £500,000 and a significant income stream.
But McEwan says that this is more than just a thank-you. “This isn’t just a PR stunt. It will be a full programme of events to raise awareness and money. We are also giving away tickets to care workers and fans can help with donations to fund more tickets. So far 95% of the club shirts sold have been purchased with the ‘Thank You NHS’ logo.”
Based in Edinburgh, Hibs were founded by Irish immigrants in 1875 making them one of the oldest clubs in Scotland and the oldest Irish football club in the world.
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