FOR the fifth consecutive year, Celtic FC Foundation welcomed supporters to Celtic Park, for the annual Celtic Sleep Out, as over 100 generous fundraisers joined us on Saturday, November 16.
Each brave participant walked through the famous front doors of Celtic Park before spending the night trackside, from 10.00pm to 6.00am, under the stars at Paradise.
Through their efforts, the group are on course to raise a truly magnificent total in the region of £40,000.
Our Sleep Out events in Glasgow and London play an integral part of our Christmas Appeal, with each of our participants having committed to raising a minimum of £130 towards the Appeal.
If you would like to continue to support the Celtic Sleep Out, Glasgow team, there’s still time to donate online HERE
The atmosphere was tremendous, as supporters arrived at the stadium at 9.00pm with their sleeping bags and supplies in hand. Following the welcome and briefing section of the night, Dermot Hill of The Invisibles, spoke to the group about the difficulties faced by those who are living on the streets night after night. The Invisibles have been confirmed as a beneficiary of this year’s Appeal, and Dermot also expressed his gratitude, on behalf of the entirely voluntary organisation.
The 100+ participants then made their way down to the South Stand for the obligatory Sleep Out group photo. They were joined by Celtic legend George McCluskey, who was in attendance to support a group of his family and friends taking part. George also kindly gave up his time to chat and take photos with our participants, as they began to take their places for the night ahead from 10.00pm.
Spirits remained high throughout the night and there was even more excitement before midnight, as three other former Celts – Simon Donnelly, Jackie McNamara and Chris Sutton – paid a visit to wish our fundraisers well. The legendary trio generously took time out to join our participants trackside for selfies.
We would like to express our great thanks to George, Simon, Jackie and Chris for coming along to offer their wonderful support.
With temperatures reaching a low of 0 degrees Celcius through the night, Dermot Hill’s words were very much still in the minds of participants, as they knew the difficult conditions could never be compared to the horrendous challenges faced by those who are living on the streets every night of the year.
As 6.00am approached the group began packing up after a long night and participants were offered the opportunity to donate their sleeping mats and bags. The response was once again outstanding and the contributions made to The Invisibles and The Wayside Club, will make a huge difference for many sleeping rough, on the streets of our city.
The event was rounded off with a warm breakfast in the Jock Stein Lounge as participants gathered together to say their goodbyes to some old and new friends.
Celtic FC Foundation would like to thank each and every Celtic Sleep Out participant for their incredible efforts, as well as everyone who supported them along the way. You have made a genuine difference to those in our community, who are most in need.
Our next Celtic Sleep Out in London, will take place for the third year in a row in the grounds of St Anne’s Primary School in Whitechapel. The venue holds huge historical and emotional significance for the Celtic Family, as in 1892, five years after his leading role in the formation of Celtic Football Club, the Marist Order moved Brother Walfrid from Glasgow to the Whitechapel area of London’s East End.
Just like their Glasgow counterparts, participants will brave the cold on Saturday, November 30, raising a minimum of £130 each. There’s still time to sign up HERE and proceeds will support our 2019 Christmas Appeal.
Through the Appeal we want to help hundreds of local families facing poverty, by giving them the kind of Christmas we all take for granted.
We also want to support pensioners on our doorstep and help out local charities. We can make a massive difference to the lives of children, the homeless, refugees and those living in refuge or facing other challenges.
Christmas is a time to give and share. And the Glasgow Celtic will be there.
To get behind the Christmas Appeal 2019, you can:
- Donate by Text – text ‘CELTIC’ followed by ‘£1’, ‘£5’ or ‘£10’ to 70085*
- Donate Online
- Donate via PayPal – www.CelticChristmasAppeal.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.
- Provide support through your Christmas shopping via Give as you Live and Amazon Smile – http://www.celticfc.net/news/17086
- Contribute via our Christmas Appeal eBay auction –which will then take place between Thursday, December 5 and Tuesday, December 10.
- Make a donation to receive your ‘Celtic FC Foundation Letter from Santa’– further details to follow.
- Support our Light Up the Clover initiative on Thursday, November 28 or our match-day bucket collection on Sunday, December 15 – http://www.celticfc.net/news/17091
- Come along to Ghirls for Good on Friday, November 29 – http://www.celticfc.net/news/16887
Thank you for your magnificent support.
*Texts will cost the donation amount, plus one standard rate message.
