With the Sleep Out events fast approaching, Celtic FC Foundation caught up with the family of Celtic legend George McCluskey, who will be taking part in this year’s Glasgow Sleep Out event, at Celtic Park.
The group comprising of George’s children, Ashleigh, Natalie and Barry, a winner of the US Blind Open Golf Championship, as well as George’s sister Teresa and friend Eileen, are set to sleep under the Stars in Paradise on Saturday, November 16.
The group who have all been season ticket holders since the rebuilding of Celtic Park in the 1990S, ran a bus to the matches at a time when supporting Celtic felt like what they described as ‘a labour of love’. Still, those memories have been the basis for a great love of the club.
Barry, whose admiration for the work of Celtic FC Foundation is typified by the Foundation crest that proudly adorns his Golf Bag, said: “Since I was wee, there has never been a point where Celtic haven’t been in my life.
“Charity is such a big part of the club, and the Foundation carries on the work that Brother Walfrid started in 1887. The Celtic Family has done so much for us, especially since I lost my sight, so it is humbling to be part of an event like this.”
Natalie added: “The Sleep Out allows us to give back to the club that has given us so many amazing experiences. Like Barry, I too lost my sight, so unfortunately I have had to give up attending away games, but I’ll never give up my season ticket. Celtic is a way of life, it is a part of us and being able to come and sleep out to raise awareness of homelessness and fundraise for the Foundation’s Christmas Appeal, just feels right.”
Ashleigh said of the upcoming challenge: “We are lucky to find ourselves in the fortunate position that we can do this at Celtic Park, in a safe environment but those facing homelessness do not have such luxuries. At least if we are struggling, we can huddle together.”
George’s sister, Teresa, who has fond memories of her family’s involvement at the club, said: “Celtic Football Club and the work that Celtic FC Foundation does means everything to us. We, as a family, have been brought up the Celtic way, so it feels like an honour to be able to do this.
“George thinks we’re all mad for signing up, but has been very supportive, as he knows how keen we are to give something back.”
Eileen, who has been the catalyst behind the family’s involvement, said: “This will be the beginning of our participation in Celtic FC Foundation’s events throughout the Christmas Appeal and we’re really looking forward to taking part.”
Barry summed up the group’s thoughts, adding: “The Christmas Appeal is something that everyone can get involved in and it goes back to Celtic’s ethos of being a club open to all.”
We look forward to welcoming the family and many more supporters to both Celtic Park and St Anne’s Primary School, London, for our Sleep Out events in the coming weeks.
Places for both events are still available but are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. The non-refundable registration fee is £30 per person.
All we ask is that you commit to raising a minimum of £130 (after entry fee) for Celtic FC Foundation’s 2018 Christmas Appeal.
The key details are:
CELTIC SLEEP OUT, GLASGOW
Date – Saturday, November 16, 2019
Venue – Celtic Park
Registration – You can sign up HERE . Please ensure you read the Terms and Conditions before completing the process.
CELTIC SLEEP OUT, LONDON
Date – Saturday, November 30, 2019
Venue – St Anne’s Primary School, Whitechapel
Registration – You can sign up HERE. Please ensure you read the Terms and Conditions before completing the process.
Due to anticipated severe weather conditions, these events will be exceptionally challenging, both mentally and physically. Therefore, participants must be aged 18+ and be in an appropriate physical condition to take part.
Celtic FC Foundation will provide a ground mat and foil sheet/blanket but participants are required to bring the appropriate equipment and wear relevant clothing and footwear.
All funds raised from these events will support our 2019 Christmas Appeal, which reflects the very essence of why our club was set up back in 1887.
The Appeal will help local families and pensioners who face poverty and hardship and a number of charities who care for those experiencing the torment of homelessness or other disadvantage. So please follow in the footsteps of Brother Walfrid and help us make a difference to the most vulnerable in our community this Christmas.
Other ways to get behind the Christmas Appeal 2019, include:
- Donate by Text – text ‘CELTIC’ followed by ‘£1’, ‘£5’ or ‘£10’ to 70085*
- Donate Online
- Donate via PayPal- www.CelticChristmasAppeal.com
- Donate in Cash – there are collection boxes located in all Celtic Stores
- Donate by Cheque – payable to ‘Celtic FC Foundation’ and sent to Celtic FC Foundation, Celtic Park, Glasgow G40 3RE.
- Provide support through your Christmas shopping via Give as you Live and Amazon Smile
- Contribute via our Christmas Appeal eBay auctions – the first featuring signed shirts following the Celtic v Motherwell match on Sunday, November 10 and then our general auction between Thursday, December 5 and Tuesday, December 10 – of which all proceeds will be donated to the Appeal.
- Make a donation to receive your ‘Celtic FC Foundation Letter from Santa’– further details to follow.
- Support our Light Up the Clover initiative on Thursday, November 28 or matchday bucket collection on Sunday, December 15 – to register as a volunteer collector, call 0141 551 4204 or email [email protected]
- Come along to the Ghirls for Good on Friday, November 29 –http://www.celticfc.net/
