During the coronavirus pandemic the Hibernian support have stepped forward time and time again to help steer the club through difficult times.
In addition to selling over 11,000 season tickets and the new home shirt – which pays tribute to the NHS – becoming the fastest-selling of all time, more than 1000 fans have recently joined Hibernian Supporters, committing monthly amounts to the club to be used to boost the playing budget, taking the total number of contributors to nearly 4000.
Established in 2015 Hibernian Supporters is the club’s second largest shareholder, acquiring 15.4 per cent of shares during Sir Tom Farmer’s ownership. As a result of recent events, Hibernian Supporters is currently passing all funds donated to them to the club to assist at this difficult time.
With a recent upturn in contributions resulting in over £75,000 being donated to the club since the middle of June, Hibernian Supporters now within touching distance of contributing over £1 million to the club since its inception in 2015.
Hibernian FC Chief Executive Leeann Dempster is thankful to everyone who is on board with Hibernian Supporters and believes reaching £1 million in total contributions will show the lasting impact fans can have on the club.
“I’ve been heartened and humbled by the support we’ve had from across the Hibernian community over the last few months.
“It’s gone a long way to helping us navigate our way through a challenging period that no-one could have foreseen – and the contribution of Hibernian Supporters members deserves special mention, many of whom are also amongst our amazing season ticket holders.
“To be able to count on the backing of so many new members – and the continued support of existing ones – has directly contributed to us being able to strengthen the squad with players who have already made an impact.
“To be closing in on a total of £1 million in contributions says everything about that collective love of the club and it’s something we will never take for granted.
“On behalf of everyone at Hibernian, I’d like to thank those who have helped grow Hibernian Supporters – members and a small team of committed volunteers who run it alike.
“We have shared goals and I’m excited by what we can achieve together.”
Speaking shortly after August’s contribution of £21,883.29 was transferred to the club, Hibernian Supporters Chairman Jim Adie said he was incredibly grateful to fans who continue to get behind the initiative.
“We can’t thank the fan base enough for their efforts in helping the football club through regular contributions to Hibernian Supporters. In difficult times for everyone we have been blown away by the commitment and generosity of our members, old and new.
“Whether fans have been on board with us for a few years or a few weeks, everyone who steps forward is making a real and meaningful difference to the club. As regular supporters we all want to see Hibernian achieve success on the pitch and we are hopeful fans can see the impact we are making collectively.
“Contributing over £1 million to the club since 2015 will be a fantastic achievement and we are approaching that figure at a good pace. With no shares available to purchase all funds at the moment are being passed directly to the club – the reaction we have seen in these last few months has been remarkable.”
Supporters can join thousands of other fans by signing up to Hibernian Supporters at hiberniansupporters.co.uk.
John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.
