CELTIC FC Foundation’s partnership with Glasgow North East Foodbank has continued to make a significant difference in the past year, thanks to the generosity of Celtic supporters across the world.
The Foodbank, which is headquartered at the Church of Scotland in Helenvale Street, a stone’s throw from Celtic Park, operates out of six centres across the north and east of the city and helps hundreds of families every month.
Celtic FC Foundation’s partnership started in 2013 on the back of the charity match with Stiliyan Petrov and has since helped countless people in dire need of assistance.
Last month alone, more than 500 people (350 Adults, 170 Children) have received urgent help, with each getting provision for nine meals (three days’ worth), and that’s the equivalent of around 5,000 meals.
In weight, that means approximately four tonnes of food have been issued, while volunteering hours were in excess of 500 for the month from 40 volunteers associated with the Foodbank.
Tony Hamilton, Celtic FC Foundation Chief Executive, said: “The partnership with the Foodbank on our doorstep is only one example of what we’ve been able to do through the 2018/19 football season because of the backing we’ve had from the Celtic support.
“That backing has come from across Ireland and the UK and from various parts of the world, including New York and London, and the work that we’re doing would not be possible without it. Thanks to everyone who has made a difference to people’s lives this year through initiatives like this partnership.
“It’s unfathomable that there are so many Foodbanks in this day and age but there are, and we are very grateful that Celtic’s individual supporters and supporters’ clubs and groups are committed to providing assistance for people at home and abroad, through initiatives like this partnership and 67 Kitchens.
“We’re planning another Foodbank collection for late August and we’ll announce details of that shortly. In the meantime, the Foodbank are short of certain times such as tinned fish, fruit, UHT Fruit Juice and UHT Milk, which are currently purchased from donated funds.”
Robert Wright, Chairman of the Glasgow NE Foodbank, added: “As we enter our seventh year of operation, we never cease to be amazed at the kindness and generosity of the fanbase of Celtic FC and the people of Glasgow North East.
“We have been privileged to have gained the support of Celtic FC Foundation, who have provided funding and support to help us run the Foodbank and ensure that we reach the people who need it most. We are also currently facing a challenge of being in deficit of donations, which is another area that we need to develop over the next year.
“It is a harsh reality that in the year 2019, Foodbanks need to be relied upon so heavily, but we are finding that people of all backgrounds are calling on our services for help with their most basic human needs.
“Without the help of Celtic FC Foundation and the Club’s supporters, we would never have reached so many of those people. We hear stories every day of Foodbanks having to close as they simply cannot meet the demands that are out there, so we are thankful for the partnership we have between the Foundation and Calton Parkhead Parish Church.
“Finally, we much recognise the hard work and dedication from all of our volunteers who help with the day-to-day operation and who make themselves available for special events such as match collection days, supermarket food drives and sorting efforts. Generosity does not have to cost anything, and our volunteers demonstrate this by donating their spare time to help others less fortunate than themselves.
“When we take time to reflect on this, it is hard not to be touched by the sense of community, teamwork and dogged determination of everyone involved. A sincere thank you to everyone from the Glasgow NE Foodbank.”
