Dundee United and Dundee fans are set to join forces at this weekend’s derby in support of Tangerines business chief Ricardo Cerdan’s Ukraine mercy mission.
Proceeds from Saturday’s 50:50 prize draw – organised by the Dundee United Development Association (DUDA) – will be donated to Cerdan’s “United With Ukraine” fund, which has already raised over £16,000 to support refugee support and evacuation work in the war-torn country.
Specifically, money raised will go towards sourcing generators in order to provide heating and warm food to those fleeing the conflict.
Fans of both Dundee sides will be able to show their support at Saturday’s Tannadice derby, with draw tickets available in both home and away sections of the stadium.
Additional volunteers have been brought in to meet expected demand.
Collection buckets and 50:50 tickets will accept cash only, with supporters encouraged to bring cash.
Both clubs have already come together in support of DUDA’s decision to donate its proceeds, which are normally sent to United’s academy.
Proceeds from this Saturday’s Matchday 50:50 draw at Tannadice will be donated to financially support the continued work of Dundee United employee Ricardo Cerdan who has visited Ukraine to volunteer and assist in the safe passage of refugees. https://t.co/MJ6nCjkipG
— Dundee Football Club (@DundeeFC) April 6, 2022
Colin Stewart, DUDA chairperson, said: “We encourage all supporters of both our city’s teams to support this initiative as this is an opportunity to provide financial assistance to help support the young people of Ukraine who are living in desperate and dangerous conditions.”
Solidarity
Another volunteer said: “Dundonians are great at showing solidarity to working people who are struggling across the world.
“We’re a generous bunch, and since we can see folk just like us are struggling in Ukraine, it’s only right that we do our wee bit to help them out.
“The Dundee Derby is all about winning, but the fact that we can use it as an occasion to send help to folk that need it is great. Makes me proud of the city.”
Cerdan, who is the Tangerines’ international business development manager, first travelled to Ukraine last month.
He distributed 70kg of Dundee United toys, jackets, blankets and other goods worth £2,000 to refugees and told the Courier how he helped two children across the border into Poland at the request of their desperate father.
The selfless Tannadice worker has now returned to the country on a second aid mission.
