With our annual Christmas Appeal now in full swing, we continue to turn our attention to the organisations who will benefit from your wonderful support and today, we focus on those beneficiaries who assist vulnerable families and children.
We heard from some of these organisations on the importance of the support received, including Patrick Rolink of Spirit Aid, who recently hosted a very special visit from Celtic’s Auston Trusty and Luke McCowan.
Patrick said: “Spirit Aid has received tremendous support from Celtic FC Foundation over many years, which has helped us massively in our aims to support those in our communities who are facing the effects of food and energy poverty. We are so grateful to the Foundation for their dedication towards assisting organisations like ourselves and the generosity of the Celtic Family is truly amazing. Christmas is a special time of year and we hope that our support brings some comfort and joy to those most in need, but we genuinely cannot do it without the help of Celtic FC Foundation.
“It was also fantastic to have Auston and Luke with us for the day. It was great to see them getting involved by helping to make up some food parcels and bags of toys. It gave our volunteers who’re here every single week, a huge lift, so we’re extremely grateful to them for coming to see us.”
We also heard from some of the other beneficiaries on the impact of the Foundation’s support.
Hannah Clark of PEEK spoke of the harsh reality for many children in Glasgow this Christmas, saying: “The support PEEK has received from Celtic FC Foundation over the years has been absolutely vital for the children, young people and families we work with. Your generosity has enabled so many families to heat their homes via fuel top ups or receive food vouchers, allowing them to celebrate and enjoy a festive meal together. We are deeply grateful to Celtic FC Foundation and to every supporter whose donations make this work possible. Your trust in PEEK and your commitment to the most vulnerable in our community allow us to distribute support where it is needed most and to bring warmth, dignity and joy to families over the festive period. Thank you for making such a meaningful difference.”
Chris Glancey of AWARE Scotland added: “The festive season is an especially important time for us to support the disabled and disadvantaged young people we work with. Throughout Christmas and the winter months, our aim is to give Christmas gifts to the young people and to families who are most in need. In addition, we will organise special Christmas outings and events, to make this a very special time of year for them. Our wellbeing programmes are also essential during winter, helping maintain physical and mental health, offering structure and creating a space where young people can connect and express themselves. The support from Celtic FC Foundation enables us to run these activities, buy gifts and make sure no young person or family feels overlooked at Christmas. Your generosity brings joy and comfort to some of the most vulnerable young people in our communities and we are very grateful for your support.”
Amy Jo Battersby of Salvation Army Parkhead also said: “At Christmas, we collaborate closely with health visitors and social workers to identify families in need and distribute presents to children who might otherwise go without. This ensures that every child we can reach experiences some joy during the festive period. Beyond Christmas Day, we offer opportunities for those who are struggling to access a warm, welcoming space with food throughout the winter months. Our aim is to provide practical support and a safe environment for anyone facing hardship during the colder season. The support offered by Celtic FC Foundation is a huge relief to those who are receiving our help, so thank you once again.”
In addition to these wonderful organisations, we will also look to support Loaves and Fishes in Glasgow, a host of beneficiary organisations in Ireland and London and the likes of Hope Kitchen Oban and Newcastle Foodbank.
You can also read more about all of the organisations who will benefit from your support at our Appeal webpage HERE.
Our Christmas Appeal will touch thousands of lives this festive period and we now ask you, the completely unique and unsurpassable Celtic support, to stand with us and help make a positive difference for those who need it most.
This is a reminder of the phenomenal difference you made through the 2024 Appeal HERE
You can also get behind this year’s Christmas Appeal in the following ways:
- 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
- Purchase our Celtic FC Foundation Scarf HERE
- 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
- Contribute via our Christmas Appeal eBay Auction from December 3 – 10. Further details to follow.
- Sign up for the Celtic Sleep Out, London on Friday, December 12 HERE
- Join us for The Hoopy and Hailey Christmas Party on Thursday, December 18 HERE
Thank you so much for your incredible compassion and generosity, as always – it will help us to continue the mission of Celtic.
Together we can share the Spirit of Christmas.
*Texts will cost the donation amount, plus one standard rate message.
