AS part of Celtic FC Foundation’s 2016 Christmas Appeal, we continue to take a closer look at the charities benefitting from your generosity this festive season.

Carrying on with our series, we now look at the inspiring work of Glasgow homelessness organisation, The Invisibles.

The Invisibles is entirely voluntary – made up of people of all ages – and their work is supported by the generosity of the Glasgow public and the endeavour of the frontline homeless organisations in the city.

There is a large and often ignored homeless community in Glasgow. The aim of The Invisibles is not to provide these people with accommodation or employment – although they wholeheartedly back such ideals – but to equip them with a variety of items to keep them as warm and comfortable as possible whilst they remain on the streets.

Such items include clothing, sleeping bags and toiletries. They gather donations from the public of sought-after items, before sorting and delivering them too. Critically, whilst rough sleepers are their main priority, they also support those suffering some form of poverty by liaising with other organisations such as night shelters.

Following our Celtic Sleep Out event on Saturday, November 12, many of the 100 participants – one of whom was Dermot Hill of The Invisibles – donated their sleeping bags and mats to support the Glasgow organisation – a magnificent and humbling gesture.

As a beneficiary of Celtic FC Foundation’s 2014 and 2015 Christmas Appeals, Dermot is well-aware of the kindness and generosity of the Celtic support as well as the difference your contribution can make.

He said: “The support from Celtic fans is imperative to a group like The Invisibles and their generosity is well-known throughout the world. Through the years, they have continually donated to any cause that is in keeping with the founding ethos of the football club.

“In the last couple of years, the donations we received from Celtic FC Foundation helped fund our work for the full year ahead. This is just invaluable and every volunteer at The Invisibles and those we support would like to say a huge thank you.”

The Invisibles volunteers set up an area in Cadogan Street in the city centre every Wednesday evening to directly support those who are experiencing homelessness and pass on the items they need most.

Volunteers can even regularly be seen taking specific orders for the following week! However, the value goes way beyond the sleeping bags and clothing as the care and compassion shown by volunteers as they take time to get to know each and every individual is both inspiring and touching.

A voluntary organisation making a difference on the streets of Glasgow.

The Invisibles 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 and Glasgow East Women’s Aid.

In addition, we want to help at least 250 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.