Following success in Derry on Friday night, the Celtic Sleep Out, Glasgow took place for the eighth time at Celtic Park on Saturday night with over 130 incredible supporters, who are on course to raise a phenomenal net total in excess of £50K for this year’s Christmas Appeal.
Arriving apprehensive and excited about the night ahead, supporters were welcomed to Paradise with a thanks from Celtic FC Foundation, Chief Executive, Tony Hamilton, before hearing from volunteers of Christmas Appeal beneficiary charity, The Invisibles, as Dermot Hill and Billy Reid shared some of their experiences with the group.
Participants then heard from Celtic Manager, Brendan Rodgers and members of the first team squad, as they watched our 2023 Christmas Appeal VT. And, after a safety briefing from the Foundation team, Celtic FC Women’s Manager, Fran Alonso was on hand to show his support for our participants, as they headed down the Tunnel.
A wet November night greeted the participants as they faced the challenge of spending eight hours – from 10.00pm to 6.00am – under the stars in Paradise. The group, joined by Fran, then made their way to the South Stand for the obligatory Sleep Out group photo.
Later in the night, former Celt and B Team Coach, Darren O’Dea also stopped by to wish them well, before local performer Jonathan Boyd serenaded participants from the stand. A powerful rendition of ‘Grace’ started the intimate set, which finished with everyone joining in for ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’, as it approached midnight.
Celtic Park events supplied an unlimited amount of complimentary tea, coffee and of course Bovril throughout the night, with the added bonus of some pies and soup to keep the group going.
It was a typical Glasgow night, as the rain continued off and on throughout but despite this, a large portion of the group slept through the elements in front of the Jock Stein stand, while others braved areas trackside and in the South stand.
The group then began packing up after a long, damp night and participants were offered the opportunity to donate their sleeping bags and mats.
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 cooked up in the kitchen by Club Chef, Archie Duffy. Breakfast and the earlier food supplies were kindly donated by Club suppliers: Premier Produce, Campbell Prime Meats, Pars Pies, McGhees Bakery and Bidfood.
Celtic FC Foundation would like to thank each and every 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 Sleep Out events play an integral part of the Appeal, with each of our participants having committed to raising a minimum of £135 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.
Our third and final 2023 Sleep Out, will be our sixth in London and will take place on Saturday, December 2, in the grounds of St Anne’s Primary School in Whitechapel. There’s still time to register to take part and full details can be found HERE.
Our 2023 Christmas Appeal 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
- Provide support through your Christmas shopping in Celtic stores or online by purchasing an item from ‘Walfrid’s Wishlist’ HERE
- Provide support through your Christmas shopping via Give as you Live HERE
- Enter our Christmas Appeal Prize Draw, which will kick-off today – further details to follow.
- Come along to the Ghirls for Good event on Friday, November 24 HERE
- Support our Christmas Appeal Bucket Collection on Saturday, November 25 – to register as a volunteer collector, call 0141 551 4321 or email [email protected]
- 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.
