THANKS to the Celtic support across the globe, Celtic FC Foundation is proud to announce that a magnificent total of almost £60,000 has been raised to assist those affected by the current refugee crisis in Europe.
This has been an absolutely astonishing response from the Celtic Family, in the space of only three weeks.
Following events across Europe, the Club’s charity initiatives surrounding the 30th anniversary of Jock Stein’s death were dedicated to this cause.
£40,000 is now being donated today to our international aid charity partner, the British Red Cross in Glasgow, and, in particular, its Europe Refugee Crisis Appeal. .
The Europe Refugee Crisis Appeal will support refugees and communities affected by the crisis across Europe, in neighbouring countries and the UK. The donation will assist in the provision of food, water and medical care
Celtic FC Foundation also generated additional fundraising independently of the Jock Stein events through a MyDonate online page, direct donations and the auction of a signed Andy Murray Celtic shirt.
The cumulative total raised so far through these channels is almost £20,000. This will now be used to support refugees resident in Glasgow and further details will follow in the coming weeks.
Celtic Chief Executive, Peter Lawwell, said: “We are delighted that the hard work we have put into these fundraising events has delivered such great results and I would like to sincerely thank everyone who has supported us.
“We have seen the effects of this humanitarian crisis unfold in recent weeks and we felt as a Club we should help in any way we can.
“Celtic was established as a football club to help people in need and this ethos remains a fundamental part of our club almost 130 years after our formation. None of us can understand the true horrors of this situation but as a club we wanted to show our support for those affected.”
Tony Hamilton, CEO of Celtic FC Foundation, added: “The challenge to assist those affected by the current refugee crisis resonates so closely and so personally with the Club and its supporters. It’s exactly why Celtic Football Club was established back in 1887.
“I am incredibly humbled, although not surprised, by the response from the Celtic supporters. It just epitomises everything that is special about our Club and every single person who played their part in achieving this magnificent total should feel very proud today.
“The funds raised will have a huge impact on the ground, exactly where it’s needed most.”
Anne O’Neill, Fundraising Manager for the British Red Cross in Scotland, said: “The generous donation of Celtic FC Foundation will make a huge difference to the families on a terrifying journey in search of safety who desperately need food, water and medical care.
“The Foundation’s £40,000 gift will provide desperately needed food and nourishment to 3,422 refugees in Greece, including people who have just arrived with little more than the clothes that they are wearing.
“The food parcels include essentials such as clean drinking water, tinned fish, biscuits, crackers, fruit juice, raisins, antiseptic wipes, tea, sugar and cups.”
Celtic meet Fenerbahce this Thursday, October 1 at Celtic Park in the UEFA Europa League, and in partnership with the European Club Association(ECA) 1 Euro from the sale of each match ticket will also go towards helping those affected by this crisis.
