CELTIC FC Foundation, supported by Celtic FC, is delighted today to announce that our Football for Good Fund has risen to over £700K, as we continue to deliver much-needed support to those affected by the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Celtic FC Foundation’s entire focus has been redirected to alleviating the evolving complications of the crisis and so far we are delighted to report that the following has been achieved:

– 11,000 hot meals served to frontline NHS staff

– 35,000 vulnerable families and individuals supported
– Assistance provided to 9,000 vulnerable pensioners
– 4,000 people facing homelessness supported
– 1,600 primary school pupils supported

Celtic Chief Executive, Peter Lawwell, said: “As a club with a proud charitable heritage, we have had a real sense of responsibility to do all we can to help those affected by the pandemic, particularly people on our doorstep.

“Celtic has been at the forefront of UK football, delivering valuable support to thousands of people. The figures show the real, meaningful impact of our work.

“The club, our fans, our sponsors and partners have joined forces to deliver a crucial, powerful response to this crisis which has been second to none and we thank everyone involved. This work will continue and as long as we can help and make a difference, Celtic will be here to do so.”

Our work includes providing funds to around 55 partner charities and community organisations who are supplying vital food and essentials to those who need it most in Glasgow and Lanarkshire, Greenock, Oban, Edinburgh, Fife, The Isle of Skye, London, Newcastle, Dublin and Belfast.

We have also set up a project that supports pupils and families at 12 Glasgow-based schools and nurseries, providing family cooking packs and activity boxes which we hope will help to alleviate some of the mental health issues brought on by the financial burdens people are currently facing.

Separately, our partnership initiatives with NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde, Cathedral House Hotel and 1051GWR have provided hundreds of hot meals each day for frontline staff at the Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Gartnavel Hospitals and the Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre.

And our partnership with Glasgow North East Foodbank continues in the form of two projects – one offering a free food parcel self-referral service for people living in Glasgow affected by the COVID-19 crisis and the other working with the NHS to supply food and essentials packages for patients who have been discharged from hospital.

Internationally, we have also provided assistance to two partner charities in New York – Coalition for the Homeless and Children’s Aid – who are ensuring that food and essentials reach vulnerable children and families in the city.

Celtic FC Foundation is immensely grateful to everyone who has supported the Football for Good Fund so far and we will continue to harness this goodwill and support those most in need in these uncertain and difficult times.

Tony Hamilton, Chief Executive of Celtic FC Foundation, added: “Since March of this year, all our work had been dedicated to helping those affected by this crisis. We have achieved great results, helping thousands of people in need and I would like to thank all our staff for their fantastic work.

“Our sincere thanks to everyone who has supported our work. This is work which will not stop. We will continue to ensure that Celtic plays a vital role in helping people in need.”

Since the launch of the Fund and throughout the next six months or so, the Foundation has ensured and will continue to ensure food parcels, basic necessities, hot meals and other critical interventions are available to the growing number of people affected by the ruthlessness of COVID-19.

But we can’t do it alone.

To support the Football for Good Fund, you can:

1. Donate by Text – text ‘CELTIC’ followed by ‘£1’, ‘£5’ or ‘£10’ to 70085*

2. Donate Online HERE

3. Donate via PayPal HERE

4. Donate via our Facebook page HERE or set up your own Facebook fundraiser

5. Donate in cash – there are collection boxes in Celtic stores

6. Donate by Cheque – payable to ‘Celtic FC Foundation’ and sent to Celtic FC Foundation, Celtic Park, Glasgow G40 3RE

7. Sign up to regular giving through our Walfrid’s Wish initiative HERE

8. Get involved in our unique #9IAR challenge HERE

9. Purchase our 9-in-a-row badge and Glittering Prize print HERE

10. Provide support through your online shopping via Give as you Live and Amazon Smile

11. Take part in our online auction – details comings soon!

12. Come up with your own fundraising idea and get in touch with us at [email protected]

Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts.

*Texts will cost the donation amount, plus one standard rate message.