WITH our 2018 Christmas Appeal now in full swing, we turn our attention to the beneficiary charities which will receive our support, through this year’s appeal.
We begin our spotlight series by looking at the work of Glasgow East Women’s Aid (GEWA), an organisation which provides support for women, children and young people who are living with or have lived with the effects of gender-based violence.
For most of us, Christmas is a happy time of year. But for those suffering from domestic abuse, the festive season will be very different.
Through their services, Glasgow East Women’s Aid provide initial intervention and offer a range of advice on subjects such as services, legal rights, housing issues and benefits.
GEWA also provide one-to-one counselling and run support groups to help improve the lives and wellbeing of the women and young people whom they work with, by assisting them to recover from their experiences of abuse.
Project and Development Officer at GEWA, Anne Kelly spoke of the struggles that many of their service users encounter and expressed her thanks for the support received from Celtic FC Foundation.
She said: “For most people, the run up to Christmas is an exciting time as they’re buying gifts, attending parties and looking forward to the big day. But for many of the women and children we work with, this can be a time of great sadness and uncertainty.
“I always try to stress that it is not just about providing gifts, food and making things as special as we can, the support we provide helps save lives. If families can be provided with what they need at this time of the year, they will remain in the safety of refuge and be able to enjoy the day.”
Anne was quick to highlight the importance of Celtic FC Foundation’s contribution in assisting their work, sharing a quote from one of GEWA’s service users who received support last Christmas: “Despite our difficulties, Christmas was a joy. We had to leave everything behind but with the help of Glasgow East Women’s Aid, we had a fabulous time and wanted for nothing.”
She added a final message to those who have supported Celtic FC Foundation’s Christmas Appeal, and said: “I want to thank Celtic FC Foundation and everyone who gets behind their appeal for the ongoing support that we receive – without it, we would not be able to give our families the special items they deserve.
“Our staff have often been reduced to tears due to your kindness. Never forget that you make a big difference to lives of people at risk from domestic abuse.
“We wish you all a safe and peaceful Christmas.”
Through our 2018 Christmas Appeal, we’re aiming to 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 help us Make Dreams Come True this Christmas.
To get behind the Christmas Appeal 2018, you can:
1. Donate by Text – text ‘CELT07’ followed by ‘£1’, ‘£5’ or ‘£10’ to 70070
2. Donate Online HERE
3. Donate via Paypal HERE
4. Donate in Cash – there are collection boxes located in all Celtic Stores
5. Donate by Cheque – payable to ‘Celtic FC Foundation’ and sent to Celtic FC Foundation, Celtic Park, Glasgow, G40 3RE.
6. Give As You Live via your Christmas Shopping HERE
7. Sign up for the Celtic Sleep Out, Glasgow on Saturday, November 17 HERE
8. Sign up for the Celtic Sleep Out, London on Friday, November 23 HERE
9. Support our match-day bucket collection on Saturday, December 8 HERE
10. Come along to Ghirls for Good on Saturday, December 1 HERE
11. Contribute via our Christmas Appeal eBay Auction, of which all proceeds will be donated to the Appeal – further details to follow.
12. Take part in our Light up the Clover event on Thursday, December 13 – further details to follow.
13. Make a donation to receive your ‘Celtic FC Foundation Letter from Santa’– further details to follow.
Thank you for making a difference.
