Celtic FC Foundation’s Ghirls for Good event returned to the Kerrydale Suite on Friday night, as 300 wonderful guests joined us for another festive extravaganza. As always, the event played a crucial role in our annual Christmas Appeal fundraising efforts and a magnificent total in the region of £27K was raised.
Ghirls for Good – which was sponsored for a sixth time by the amazing Ellen Kane Trust – was hosted once again by the inimitable Edward Reid who, as always, entertained guests in his own unique style.
Attendees were welcomed to the Kerrydale by Celtic Santa, before receiving a complimentary glass of bubbly and the evening kicked-off with the latest Celtic Christmas advert, showcasing the unity between the club and the Foundation.
Our host with the most then got the party started with his first song, before guests tucked into a beautiful festive three-course meal, which was complemented by some astounding tricks from magician Mark Gordon, who made his way around the tables.
Next up, we heard from Celtic manager, Brendan Rodgers and members of the first team in our Christmas Appeal VT and we were also joined on the evening by Charlotte Rodgers, Janie Kennedy and Paula Woods. We are so grateful for their support of the event.
Following a vote of thanks from Celtic FC Foundation’s Head of Income, Jane Maguire, Head Teacher of Dalmarnock Primary School, Nancy Clunie then shared a truly touching insight into the importance of the donations made to local families through the Appeal. There was barely a dry eye in the room, as Nancy so eloquently highlighted the impact that even a small contribution can make to so many families.
Between courses, Edward Reid continued to keep the room entertained with his performances, which included a hilarious updated rendition of his Britain’s Got Talent nursery rhyme ballad.
Following dinner, guests were treated to some special messages of thanks from a host of Lennoxtown favourites including Callum McGregor, Joe Hart, Greg Taylor, Alistair Johnston, Anthony Ralston, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Matt O’Riley, James Forrest and Kyogo.
This was then followed by a hysterical game of pass the parcel, as one guest from each table was invited on to the dancefloor, with the winner finally confirmed after unwrapping the parcel a magnificent seven times. And just before Edward got the Kerrydale Suite really going with his stunning live set, there was time for a quick chance to raise even more funds for the Appeal, as he auctioned off a couple of items generously donated on the night.
Thanks to an incredible donation from event sponsor, the Ellen Kane Trust, the Fly High New York Draw was back and proved to be even more popular than ever! For an entry fee of just £10, guests had the opportunity to win a quite outstanding prize – a stunning package for two people to New York City including return flights from Glasgow and three nights’ accommodation in a double or twin room in a hotel close to Times Square.
The draw was made by Angela Quinn of the Ellen Kane Trust and one very lucky Ghirl went home with a Christmas gift like no other!
The evening also included festive DJ Paddy, Christmas stalls and a Free Prize Draw featuring a host of amazing prizes.
Each gorgeous Ghirl was also invited to bring along a gift for a local child and, as always, we were truly humbled by donations received on the night. These will now be distributed to children who are sick or disadvantaged before the sleigh bells ring on Christmas Eve.
The beneficiary organisations include Bargeddie Toddlers, Children in Care in Edinburgh and Fife, Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity, Glasgow North East Social Work, Glasgow Women’s Aid, Kids Out, Loaves & Fishes, Salvation Army Parkhead, Scottish Refugee Council, Simon Community Scotland and Spirit Aid.
Celtic FC Foundation Chief Executive, Tony Hamilton spoke following the event, saying: “Our Ghirls for Good event is always one of the most eagerly anticipated nights in the Foundation’s calendar and once again, it was a huge success, thanks to the support of so many.
“I’d like to thank each and every guest who attended for their fantastic contributions to this year’s Christmas Appeal.
“A massive thank you of course goes to our event sponsor and Fly High NY donor – the Ellen Kane Trust – whose continued generosity is magnificent.
“And thanks also to our brilliant host Edward Reid, as well as Brendan Rodgers, members of the first team, Charlotte Rodgers, Janie Kennedy, Paula Woods, Mark Gordon, DJ Paddy, Celtic Santa, everyone who donated a prize, our print donor Bell & Bain and our volunteers Jackie and Helen, for the part that each of them played.”
Funds raised at Ghirls for Good will be devoted to supporting our 2023 Christmas Appeal, which aims to bring comfort and light up the lives of many who would otherwise struggle over the festive period.
This includes local families facing poverty, so they can enjoy the type of Christmas that many of us take for granted.
As well as pensioners, women and children in refuge, the homeless community and refugees and a host of others experiencing hardship.
Together, we can Light Up Someone’s Christmas this festive season.
To get behind this year’s Christmas Appeal, you can also:
- Donate online HERE
- Donate via PayPal HERE
- Donate via Facebook HERE
- Donate by text – text ‘CELTIC’ followed by ‘£1’, ‘£5’ or ‘£10’ to 70085*
- 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
- Make a donation and hang an item on our Virtual Christmas Tree HERE
- Contribute to receive a daily Christmas message via our Advent Calendar HERE
- Provide support through your Christmas shopping in Celtic stores or online by purchasing an item from ‘Walfrid’s Wishlist’ HERE
- Purchase our brand new Foundation T-shirt HERE
- Provide support through your Christmas shopping via Give as you Live HERE
- Enter our Christmas Appeal Prize Draw HERE
- Sign up for the Celtic Sleep Out, London on Saturday, December 2 HERE
- Sign up for the Santa Stroll 1 Mile or 5K on Sunday, December 17 HERE
Thank you for your magnificent support.
*Texts will cost the donation amount, plus one standard rate message.
