WITH our 2019 Christmas Appeal now in full swing, we begin our spotlight series on the charities and organisations who will benefit from the funds raised during the appeal.
The first charity featured in our series is Loaves and Fishes. Starting out 30 years ago as a soup kitchen aiming to feed the homeless, the organisation has evolved over the years due to the need within local communities. They now operate a foodbank in East Kilbride, and also provide a warm meal a few times a week, at Glasgow city centre’s Oasis Cafe, for those living on the streets.
Through the support of Celtic FC Foundation’s Christmas Appeal in the past, Loaves and Fishes have been able to provide an extra Wednesday night meal initially throughout the winter period, which now operates the whole year around.
Celtic forward, Leigh Griffiths recently paid a visit to Loaves and Fishes’ foodbank, to offer a hand with packing food parcels and toiletries for those in need.
Leigh spoke of the great work that the charity does and the importance of Celtic FC Foundation’s Christmas Appeal, saying: “Loaves and Fishes are doing a great job and I’m delighted to help.
“Charitable giving is a massive part of the club’s identity and the fundraising through the Foundation’s Christmas Appeal in the past has helped a lot of charities. I know that Tommy Burns was here to provide a helping hand at this particular organisation in the past and it’s great to follow in his footsteps.
“It’s crucial that the supporters get behind the Christmas Appeal this year. The money raised in the past and donated to Loaves and Fishes helps put on an extra meal for those at a very difficult time of year.”
Frank Cassidy, a volunteer at Loaves and Fishes, said: “To see Leigh down here in his spare time, rolling up his sleeves and helping out was absolutely fantastic.”
Denis Curran, Chairman of Loaves and Fishes spoke of his gratitude for the donations provided in the past and the continued need for support. He said: “The idea with the foodbank is to try to give people enough to get them by. People are hungry. I eat every day, so why shouldn’t they eat every day?
“Through the provision of the meals that we offer at the Oasis Cafe, we try to make people feel welcome and respected. They’re given a two-course meal and an opportunity to sit at a table with each other and enjoy their dinner in a way that most of us take for granted.
“This is a truly vital lifeline to those who are out there with little or no access to food.
“No words of gratitude can describe the feeling when you’re able to offer help to a mother or father in need and you see relief in their tear-filled eyes. We’re totally reliant on people’s good will and we simply couldn’t help as many people without the support of all the fans who’ve donated to Celtic FC Foundation’s Christmas Appeal. Thank you once again.”
Our 2019 Christmas Appeal aims to honour the founding principles set out when the club was formed back in 1887, by continuing to help those in our community, who are most in need. We want to help hundreds of local families facing poverty, by giving them the kind of Christmas we all take for granted.
We also want to support pensioners on our doorstep and help out local charities. We can make a massive difference to the lives of children, the homeless, refugees and those living in refuge or facing other challenges.
Christmas is a time to give and share. And the Glasgow Celtic will be there.
To get behind the Christmas Appeal 2019, you can:
- 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 – http://www.celticfc.net/news/17086
- Contribute via our Christmas Appeal eBay auctions – the first, featuring signed shirts following the Celtic v Motherwell match on Sunday, November 10, is currently live and will close on Sunday, November 17. Our general auction will then take place between Thursday, December 5 and Tuesday, December 10.
- 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 match-day bucket collection on Sunday, December 15 – http://www.celticfc.net/news/17091
- Come along to Ghirls for Good on Friday, November 29 – http://www.celticfc.net/news/16887
- Sign up for the Celtic Sleep Out, London on Saturday, November 30 – http://www.celticfc.net/news/16709
Thank you for your magnificent support.
*Texts will cost the donation amount, plus one standard rate message.
