Celtic FC Foundation, the charitable arm of Celtic Football Club, is delighted today to announce that it will make a £10,000 donation to Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity (GCHC), as part of its annual Christmas campaign.

And in a special move this year, the Hoops first-team squad and management will carry out a host of Zoom calls with numerous kids across the hospital wards next week to bring some Christmas cheer to them during a difficult time.

Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity raises funds to support the babies, children and young people treated at Scotland’s busiest children’s hospital, which treats nearly 200,000 children each year.

The donation made to GCHC will fund Christmas gifts for children living with long-term health conditions and provide support for some parents and carers who may struggle to provide the basic items that they require during a hospital stay. It will also provide fun activities for those children who have to remain in hospital over the festive period.

Celtic Chief Executive Peter Lawwell said: “We are very privileged to have had such a close relationship with Glasgow Children’s Hospital over many years, and over this period have donated hundreds of thousands of pounds to the magnificent work carried out.

“We know this can be a very difficult time of year for so many people using the hospital and we send all our best wishes to all the children and their families this Christmas.

‘We know the staff work so hard to provide great care for so many children, and we thank them too for all they do across the year in supporting children who are in need, particularly during this unique time we have all been living through.’

“Our Christmas Appeal again will ultimately have a huge impact across a wide spectrum of families and fantastic community groups and will make such a positive difference to the lives of thousands of people, once again honouring the great charitable ambitions of the club’s founders.

“Celtic Football Club is totally committed to helping people in real need and at a difficult time of the year for so many, we hope our work, through this year’s Appeal, can bring some cheer to those who really need our support.”

Club captain, Scott Brown added: “As a team, myself and the rest of the players are delighted to once again continue our connection to the hospital and charity. As a father who has needed crucial support for my child, I am very well aware of the phenomenal work carried out at our children’s hospitals across the country. I will always be so grateful for the wonderful care my family received.

“We realise this can be a very difficult time for children and their families who are in hospital at this time of year, even more so, given the difficulties which the pandemic has presented. While, of course, we would much rather see the kids in person, we really look forward to speaking to them and hope that in some way our visit can lift their spirits ahead of Christmas.

“This will also give us a chance to thank the staff at the hospital for all they do. They make such a positive difference to the children and they deserve huge praise for their fantastic throughout the year.

‘We wish all the children at the hospital and of course, the wonderful staff, a very Merry Christmas.’

Tony Hamilton, Chief Executive of Celtic FC Foundation, added: “It’s an honour to once again support the Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity through this donation. The donation has been made via our Christmas Appeal, through which the Club and fans across the globe have worked together to help those in need.

“The appeal is synonymous with our origins, by continuing to help those in our community, who are most in need. We want to help hundreds of local families facing poverty, vulnerable pensioners and our partner charities such as GCHC, who are making a difference to the lives of children, the homeless, refugees and those living in refuge or facing other challenges.

“At this time of year in particular, it is crucial we remember those who face such challenges across all areas of society. We are delighted to continue our work in this area and make a positive difference to the lives of so many.”

Shona Cardle, Chief Executive at Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity, added:

‘We are delighted that the visit from the club, which is always one of the highlights of Christmas at the hospital, can still take place this year, albeit virtually.’

“The generous donation will make such a difference to the children and families who will spend Christmas in hospital, and we are incredibly grateful to Celtic FC Foundation for their continued support.”