Edinburgh City stars donate food to the homeless

WITH their match postponed, bosses at Edinburgh City were left tackling a novel problem '“ what to do with platters of ­hospitality food.
Jordan Caddow and Josh Walker handed over the hospitality supplies at the Pleasance Lifehouse. Picture: Contributed.Jordan Caddow and Josh Walker handed over the hospitality supplies at the Pleasance Lifehouse. Picture: Contributed.
Jordan Caddow and Josh Walker handed over the hospitality supplies at the Pleasance Lifehouse. Picture: Contributed.

So stars Jordan Caddow and Josh Walker scooped up the trays of posh nosh and ­delivered it to a homeless ­hostel down the road.

Unsurprisingly, the pair were given a heroes’ welcome at the Salvation Army centre, as residents tucked into the surprise treat. “It’s not what you’re expecting when you wake up on a Saturday morning to get ready for the game but it was great to do and gratefully accepted,” said midfielder Josh, 28.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The players’ impromptu charity takeaway came after City’s clash with Berwick Rangers was called off due to a waterlogged Meadowbank pitch.

“When the game was called off at 11am, we had all this ­perishable food that was potentially going to waste,” said City commercial director Calum Smith.

“We thought the Salvation Army could use it in helping people who are going through a challenging time, and they’re only about a mile away.”

So Jordan and Josh set off for the Pleasance Lifehouse, which provides beds for 38 homeless men, laden with Marks & Spencer sandwiches and pastries.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Calum said: “They went down there with the food and surprised the staff – we believed it was the right thing to do and take our collaborations with charity seriously.”
It was the first time Pilton-born Jordan had been back to the Salvation Army site since working as a postman in the area.

“There were no familiar faces but they were ecstatic when we got there,” said Jordan, 33.

“The Salvation Army have been around for years and do amazing things.

“Being from Edinburgh, you see people on the streets and the Salvation Army do fantastic things to help people who, through no fault of their own, are in vulnerable situations.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

And it summed up the community spirit of the club for Josh, who scored for Aberdeen against German giants Bayern Munich in the Uefa Cup back in 2008.

“Obviously when you’re asked to do things for the community then it’s nice to give something back,” he said.

“We went in there with the trays of food and they were delighted – the staff as well as the people staying there.”

City, whose partner charities are Barnardos Fostering and Street Football Scotland, will now take on Berwick in a re-arranged match next Wednesday.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Salvation Army assistant support worker Mandy Wilson was on duty when the players turned up. She said: “It was all top-quality food and the residents really appreciated it. We are grateful to the team for thinking of us and wish them all the best for the rest of the season.”

Related topics: