Changes to Russ Raffle

For decades Russ Rawley has been fundraising on the terraces of Holker St. 

From his early days, and onwards with Raise the Roof, Survival Fund and Bluebird Development Fund and now the Trust, Russ has been there with his Raffle tickets, a quick one liner and a familiar presence. When the pandemic happened and we took him online and created Russ Raffle, he has gone from strength to strength and the Raffle remains a huge part of the Trust’s income.

Over the last year or so though, the “50-50 Half Time Draw” has been drawn later and later as time has caught up with Russ and he has slowed down considerably in getting around the ground.  He has now decided he can no longer do a full lap on a matchday and so the time has come to make some changes. 

From tomorrow at the Notts County game, Russ will ONLY be selling in the Corporate Rooms, Crossbar and Fanzone pre-match as he makes his way back to the Trust Office, and then a short distance along the Popular Side from the office. 

We know many of you will miss catching him for a craic around the other areas of the ground as much as he will miss seeing all of you. You will still be able to catch him, but you now need to go to him. For those who watch games in other areas we urge you to please keep buying your raffle tickets, either from our team of sellers at the turnstiles or online at Russ Raffle

PLEASE share this message with people you go with or chat to at the soccer. While this is posted everywhere we can online, we know many people will not see this themselves so please let everyone know, Russ is still here, alive and kicking, he is just taking it a bit easier and you now need to get your tickets form another seller.  

With Russ slowing down, we really need some extra help in covering more turnstiles and would welcome new volunteers to help us continue Russ’s efforts. While we cannot offer payment we can give you free entry to the game, a hot or cold drink after you finish selling and new for this season a bonus scheme. If you sell the winning ticket you get a cash sum (tbd).  All we need is an hour of your time pre-match, ideally every game, but even one off help is appreciated. If you are interested please drop us a line at admin@bluebirdstrust.co.uk or come and see us on a matchday.