He’s already proved he’s a genuinely lovely bloke who cares about people, but Steven Naismith has gone up even further in our estimations with his latest gesture.
After sorting out match tickets for unemployed Everton fans earlier in the year, the Goodison Park favourite has again helped those less fortunate than himself on Merseyside – and his native Glasgow.
He has teamed up with Glasgow charity Loaves and Fishes, which helps the city’s homeless and coordinates food banks, to provide Christmas lunches to those who would otherwise go without.
Talking to the Big Issue, he said he was grateful for the opportunity to help.
“I am privileged to have the opportunity to once again support the great work that Denis [Curran, chairmain of Loaves and Fishes] and his team of helpers do for people in need in Glasgow, giving them a hot meal, clothes, food parcels and probably most importantly, a warm welcome from people who care.
“Denis, his wife Cathy, and their volunteers do so much work to help those in desperate need. It is both humbling and inspiring in equal measure.
“This is something I look forward to every year. It’s the start of Christmas for me. It’s brilliant to come and get a banter with some great characters – they tell it is how it is, some saying I’m a good footballer and others that think the opposite – and I’m happy that I can help.
“It’s a very small gesture for me but I’m always told how much it means to them.”
Naismith has replicated the gesture at Liverpool’s Whitechapel Centre, and we have nothing but respect and admiration for his wonderful work.
