GLOBAL IT and business consulting services company CGI has donated more than £14,000 of kit to 28 community sports clubs, music bands and dance groups in the Scottish Borders this year.

The company, whose Borders headquarters is in Tweedbank, provided £500 worth of kit to each group as part of its hugely successful community sponsorship programme, which supports local groups who are nominated by its members.

Among those who benefited were Borders Clan Rugby. CGI provided kit for players across the Scottish Borders.

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The ethos of the club encourages those with physical and learning disabilities to play alongside able bodied players.

Chirnside United received kit for their under 13s team St Boswells Youth Cricket Club received kit to the club’s young side, coached by Kathryn White and  Lauderdale Archery Club  whose successful junior programme has seen young archers win gold at the recent Scottish Indoor Championships, received donations.

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Other beneficiaries included Gala Golf Club – Kit for team events, Torwoodlee Golf Club – Kit for team events, Torwoodlee Golf Club – Junior Section, Scottish Borders Golf team, Gala Fairydean Rovers FC, Melrose Football Club, Lauder Boys football team, Gala Fairydean Rovers Juniors FC, Gala Hotspur AFC, Graham School of Highland Dance, St Boswells Golf Club,  Melrose Pipe Band,  Hawick United Amateur Football Club, Pentland Juniors Triathletes, Border Ladies Golf Association,  Hawick Harlequins Rugby Club, Selkirk Silver Band,  Kelso Harlequins Rugby Club,  Kelso Hockey Club, Gala Hotspur Football Club,  Earlston HS Extra Curricular Activities, Gala Fairydean Under 10s, and Earlston Rugby Club

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John Wordsworth-Goodram, Vice President Consulting Services for CGI in Scotland, said: “CGI is delighted to have provided new kit for so many community groups throughout the Scottish Borders through our sponsorship programme.

“The cost of living crisis has been extremely challenging for the entire region, so providing clothing and equipment for these groups has hopefully eased that particular financial outlay and allowed them to spend their money on other necessities.

“Our community sponsorship programme has never been more vital, and we look forward to once again supporting local projects and clubs in 2024.”

A spokesperson for Borders Clan Rugby said: “Our players at Borders Clan Rugby had previously be playing in borrowed kit but CGI provided funding for our jerseys. They all love the new kit and we really appreciate CGI’s support.”

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Susan Starr, Secretary of Peebles Ex-Servicemen’s Pipe Band, said: “The pipe band would like to give a note of thanks to CGI for their very kind donation, which allowed all our members – including our 12 talented youngsters – to receive new jumpers. These jumpers have CGI’s logo on them, as well as our own logo, and are worn with pride.”

A spokesperson for St Boswells Cricket Club said: “The club would like to thank CGI for their sponsorship of our junior section, including the donation of kit for our young players. The junior section has gone from strength to strength this year, which has been a delight to see.”