CONTINUING with Celtic FC Foundation’s Christmas Appeal spotlight series, we now turn our attention towards the work of a beneficiary directly tackling homelessness, Simon Community Scotland.
The Foundation hosted a Christmas party on Sunday, December 11 at Celtic Park for over 130 guests who use the services of Simon Community Scotland.
The magnificent festive carvery lunch took place in the Kerrydale Suite and was funded as a result of the humbling generosity to date of the Celtic Family through the 2016 Christmas Appeal.
Celtic Ambassador and former club captain, Tom Boyd, was delighted to represent both the club and the Foundation and spent time chatting to the guests and signing autographs.
Also in attendance were Celtic FC Foundation’s Chief Executive, Tony Hamilton and, from Simon Community Scotland, Hugh Hill (Director of Services and Development) and a number of staff and volunteers – including Santa and his elf.
Simon Community Scotland are currently celebrating their 50th Birthday but the focus remains the same as the day it was established in 1966 – to combat the causes and effects of homelessness.
Each year, they support over 2,000 people who are dealing with homelessness or struggling to maintain a safe place to live.
They provide consistent, friendly and informed support to help people explore options and take ‘the next step’ towards a positive future.
Service delivery includes the prevention of rough sleeping, advice and information, intensive outreach, emergency access, supported accommodation and life skills development groups.
Tony Hamilton said: “This is a perfect example of the positive difference our supporters are making through the Christmas Appeal.
“We have a fantastic relationship with Simon Community Scotland and have been a proud supporter of their work for many years. It’s an honour to work with them again this Christmas and I hope our guests had a wonderful day.
“Full credit goes to those who have got behind our Christmas Appeal to date and I would also like to thank those who I’m sure will lend their support in the next week or two. You are helping us to provide comfort this festive season to those who need it most.”
Lorraine McGrath, Chief Executive of Simon Community Scotland said: “Being homeless is often the end product of a long and traumatic journey through loss, addiction, abuse and mental illness.
“The Simon Community work with people at the lowest points in their lives when hopelessness and worthlessness are common traits and the future doesn’t extend much beyond the next hour.
“We are working to change that by supporting people on a journey of recovery. To be well, be safe and have a future. We provide practical and emotional assistance but we also have lots of fun.
“This Christmas, Celtic FC Foundation provided a fabulous Christmas lunch with all the trimmings for over 130 people who are homeless in Glasgow. It’s been a hugely successful day, filled with laughter, great chat and happiness.
“I’d like to say a huge thank you and Merry Christmas to everyone who has given their time, energy and donations to Celtic FC Foundation’s Christmas Appeal and helped to make a hugely positive impact on people’s lives. Thank you so much.”
Simon Community Scotland are just one of the groups we will be supporting through this year’s Christmas Appeal and those confirmed so far include Loaves and Fishes, Glasgow City Mission, the Scottish Refugee Council, the Wayside Centre, Glasgow East Women’s Aid and The Invisibles.
In addition, we want to help around 300 local families facing poverty, to provide a meal on the table and gifts for the kids. We want to bring the magic of Christmas to those homes. We are also looking to help vulnerable local pensioners to ease the financial burden at a challenging time of year.
For the first time, we are proud to confirm a development of the Christmas Appeal in 2016 as we look to support charities in London, Newcastle, Dublin, Belfast, Oban, Greenock, Inverness, Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Fife and Ayrshire.
The generosity and compassion of the Celtic Family is unsurpassed, and Celtic FC Foundation is requesting your support once again for an initiative which proudly follows in the footsteps of Brother Walfrid, providing comfort to those who need it most.
So together, let’s raise more than the roof this Christmas.
You can get behind the Appeal in the following ways:
- Donate by Text – text ‘CELT07’ followed by ‘£1’, ‘£5’ or ‘£10’ to 70070
- Donate Online – www.celticfcfoundation.com
- Donate via Paypal – www.celticfcfoundation.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.
- Support our matchday bucket collection on Saturday, December 17 – to register as a volunteer collector, call 0141 551 4321 or email [email protected]
- Give as you Live via your Christmas Shopping – www.celticfcfoundation.com
Thank you for your wonderful support.
