AS our 2019 Christmas Appeal continues, we turn our focus to a charity partner who has already benefitted through this year’s appeal, Simon Community Scotland.
Thanks to the generous support of the Celtic Family through the Christmas Appeal thus far, Celtic FC Foundation hosted a carvery Christmas lunch at Celtic Park on Sunday afternoon, for around 120 guests, who use the services of Simon Community Scotland.
Simon Community Scotland was launched in 1966 and has continued to work to combat the causes and effects of homelessness since then.
They provide five key services including: a 24/7 helpline/online support; a street outreach and drop-in (Hub) for people who are sleeping rough or at risk of becoming homeless, as well as those who have more complex needs; various kinds of residential accommodation for people who are finding their feet; outreach workers providing practical and emotional support to people who have tenancies; life skills groups to help with practical and personal development.
Our visitors were joined by Mary Craig, Chair of Simon Community Scotland plus staff and volunteers, members of the Celtic FC Foundation team and very special guest, Celtic FC Ambassador and club legend, Tom Boyd, who spent time chatting to new friends, signing autographs and posing for selfies.
Celtic FC Foundation and Simon Community Scotland have worked closely for over 20 years, particularly over the festive period and the Chief Executives from both respective organisations spoke of the wonderful longstanding relationship between the two charities.
Celtic FC Foundation’s Chief Executive, Tony Hamilton said: “Our team were absolutely thrilled to welcome our guests from Simon Community Scotland here to Celtic Park. The lunch is always a wonderful occasion and I’m sure all of the attendees will have enjoyed the festivities as much as ever.
“We simply could not support organisations such as Simon Community Scotland without the backing of the Celtic fans. We must extend a huge thanks to everyone who has contributed to the Appeal thus far and we hope that you’ll continue to get behind it.”
Lorraine McGrath, Chief Executive of Simon Community Scotland added: “Celtic FC Foundation’s done it again, giving the people we support a Christmas lunch to remember, in the wonderful Kerrydale Suite, complete with twinkling lights and the very best of service.
“The value of being able to offer this to people experiencing homelessness at Christmas, which is often an even more isolating experience, is immeasurable. Those in attendance often talk about it throughout the year, as a very treasured memory. We’re hugely grateful for the continued support and wish everyone who has supported Celtic FC Foundation and helped to make this happen, the very happiest of holiday seasons.”
Simon Community Scotland becomes the 10th Christmas Appeal beneficiary to be confirmed, joining Loaves and Fishes, The Invisibles, Glasgow East Women’s Aid, St Roch’s FC Foundation, Elpis Centre, the Salvation Army Parkhead, St Anne’s Primary School, St Anne’s Church and the Cardinal Hume Centre.
Our 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 most of us 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 auction which will take place between Thursday, December 5 and Tuesday, December 10.
- Make a donation to receive your ‘Celtic FC Foundation Letter from Santa’ – http://www.celticfc.net/news/17114
- Support our match-day bucket collection on Sunday, December 15 – http://www.celticfc.net/news/17171
- Purchase the original song from this year’s Celtic Christmas advert, ‘Star Of Glasgow’s Green & White’ HERE. Proceeds will support our 2019 Appeal.
Thank you for your magnificent support.
*Texts will cost the donation amount, plus one standard rate message.
