Celtic FC Foundation’s Ghirls for Good event returned to the Kerrydale Suite on Friday night, as over 300 fantastic guests joined us for another wonderful night full of festive fun. Once again, the event played a vital role in our annual Christmas Appeal fundraising efforts and a tremendous total in the region of £29K was raised.
Ghirls for Good – which was sponsored for a magnificent seventh time by the amazing Ellen Kane Trust – was, of course, hosted by the one and only Edward Reid who provided his unique style of entertainment for our guests, as he always does.
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 this year’s joint club and Foundation Christmas campaign.
Edward then got the party started with a hysterical game of pass the parcel, as one guest from each table was invited on to the dancefloor. He then performed his first song, before guests tucked into a beautiful festive three-course meal, which was complemented by some marvellous close-up magic from our resident magician Mark Gordon, who made his way around the tables.
Next up, we heard from Celtic manager, Brendan Rodgers 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 Foundation, Jane Maguire, former Head Teacher of Saracen Primary School, Evelyn Gibson then shared an insight into the harsh reality of what Christmas can be like for many of the children who receive our support. The emotion within the room was evident, as Evelyn highlighted the impact that donations from the Foundation have made for so many children and families.
Between courses, Edward continued to keep the room entertained with his performances, which included his very own renditions of ‘Grace’ and ‘The Fields of Athenry’.
Following dinner, guests were treated to some special messages of thanks from a host of players from the Men’s and Women’s teams, including Callum McGregor, James Forrest, Celya Barclais, Jenny Smith, Adam Idah, Alistair Johnston, Nicolas Kuhn, Maria McAneny, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Auston Trusty and Daizen Maeda.
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 NY Draw returned once again and as always, it was a huge hit with guests! One lucky Ghirl went home with a quite astonishing 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 evening also included festive DJ Paddy, Christmas stalls and a Free Prize Draw featuring a host of brilliant prizes.
Each gorgeous Ghirl was also invited to bring along a gift for a local child and, as always, the response was incredible and we were once again 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, who will come along to Celtic Park today to collect these gifts, include Bargeddie Toddlers, Castlemilk Day Nursery, Children in Care in Edinburgh and Fife, Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity, Glasgow Health and Social Care Partnership, 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: “Ghirls for Good is always a real highlight of our Christmas Appeal fundraising efforts and we’re delighted that it’s once again been a great success, thanks to the support of so many.
“I’d like to thank everyone who was in attendance for their continued backing of our Christmas Appeal.
“We are incredibly grateful to our event sponsor and Fly High NY donor – Angela Quinn and the Ellen Kane Trust – whose generosity towards this event over the years has been simply magnificent.
“And thanks also to our wonderful host Edward Reid, as well as Brendan Rodgers, members of the men’s and women’s teams, 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, for the part that each of them played.”
Funds raised at Ghirls for Good will be devoted to supporting our 2024 Christmas Appeal.
Through this year’s Appeal, we hope to assist 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, refugees, and a host of others who would otherwise struggle over the festive period.
Together we can ‘Make Christmas Magic’.
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
- Provide support through your Christmas shopping in Celtic stores or online by purchasing an item from ‘Walfrid’s Wishlist’ HERE or by simply making a donation at check-out when shopping online
- Provide support through your Christmas shopping via Give as you Live HERE
- Make a donation and hang an item on our Virtual Christmas Tree HERE
- Enter our Christmas Appeal Prize Draw HERE
- Support our Christmas Appeal Bucket Collection on Saturday, December 7– register as a volunteer collector HERE
- Sign up for the Santa Stroll 1 Mile or 5K on Sunday, December 8 – to register please email [email protected]
- Sign up for the Celtic Sleep Out, London on Friday, December 13 HERE
Thank you for your magnificent support.
*Texts will cost the donation amount, plus one standard rate message.
