Celtic FC Foundation gave partners, funders and supporters an insight into the breadth and depth of the club’s charitable arm during an emotional Showcasing Event in the Number 7 Restaurant last night.
Guests heard directly from those in receipt of the Foundation’s help, as six key speakers from across the charity’s wider project portfolio shared inspirational stories of personal challenges and triumph in the face of adversity.
Attendees included members of supporters’ groups, funding and delivery partners, as well as club staff and directors, and Foundation Trustees.
Celtic FC Foundation’s Chief Executive, Tony Hamilton, began the night’s proceedings with a welcome address before introducing a video piece which gave guests a brief insight into the work of the Foundation.
The event’s six guest speakers where then introduced by Donna Marie Henry, the Foundation’s Head of Outcomes.
Key speakers were selected from across Celtic FC Foundation’s project repertoire, with participants present from Foundation-led employability initiative ‘CashBack Gateway to Employment’, Dementia Care programme ‘Lions Lunch Breaks’, and the sustainable recovery project ‘Paradise Café’.
Inclusion was also high on the agenda, with representatives from Ability Counts Autism, Down Syndrome, and 18+ strands taking to the stage to highlight the importance of the programme and the difference it has made to so many lives.
The event closed with a unique take on club anthem ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’, performed by members of the UK Theatre School to rapturous applause.
Speaking about the success of the Showcasing Event, Tony Hamilton, said: “It’s vital for us that we can highlight the difference that can be made in people’s lives to those who back us.
“I’m very grateful to everyone who took time out to come along to Celtic Park, and hear first-hand what we do, and how people can be helped.
“I’d also like to recognise the contribution made by our guest speakers, Stephanie, Leeh, Jim, Eddie, Ellen and James.
“It’s not easy for some of our speakers to stand in front of a room full of people they’ve never met before and speak so honestly about their journeys, but they all did it sincerely and powerfully.”
