As we continue with the Christmas Appeal stage of our Football for Good Fund (FFGF), the spotlight series today falls upon the work of our next beneficiary, Glasgow City Mission.

Aiming to make a practical difference to the lives of Glasgow’s poor and marginalised since 1826, Glasgow City Mission’s focus is on those who are facing homelessness or other disadvantages within Glasgow’s city centre.

Support received in the past through our Christmas Appeal, prior to the pandemic has helped Glasgow City Mission to fund their evening drop-in service throughout the winter period. Through the 2020 Christmas Appeal, the importance switched to street outreach and then latterly food for the celebrated reintroduction of the daytime drop-in centre.

Joy, Marketing and Fundraising Officer at Glasgow City Mission said: “Our drop-in has provided a much-needed point of connection for our guests since we were able to re-open last September. From here we can build relationships, provide advocacy support, and signpost people to our other services.”

Glasgow City Mission’s key values are about community building and relationships and this past year the importance of this has been evident. Guests at Glasgow City Mission speak of the isolation and spending countless days alone that many have suffered as a result of the pandemic.

Simon, Assistant Project Manager, says of the drop-in: “We provide a warm welcome, in a safe environment where people can belong. It is great that we are open consistently again, volunteers and staff are great at connecting with guests and having a laugh or offering a listening ear to those who need it. The drop-in acts as a busy hub and the means for Project Workers to connect with guests who need support.”

The drop-in is making a difference to people such as Scott, Gary and John who have all been coming to Glasgow City Mission for years. They became friends through working together. Scott says of the drop-in: “It’s a meeting place – somewhere to go to get out of the weather.”

Gary says that if he’s in the drop-in with friends, then he is not tempted to get involved in his old life. He also enjoys being able to talk to the Project Workers. He says: “They’ll always give you an ear – talking to them gets it off my chest.”

It helps people to know that they can come to the drop-in anytime for food, company and advice. John has been unable to work recently and appreciates being able to get meals at the facility.

The important role that Glasgow City Mission plays is unmistakeable and with the help of the Celtic Family, Glasgow City Mission can continue their work.

Simon finished by saying: “We are very grateful to Celtic FC Foundation for the generous support of our work for many years and also throughout the pandemic and especially this coming Christmas.”

Glasgow City Mission joins PEEK, St Roch’s FC Foundation, The Invisibles, Woman’s Aid in Dublin and Women’s Aid Belfast and Lisburn as the latest Appeal beneficiary to be confirmed.

Through the Appeal we want to give hundreds of families in our communities the Christmas they deserve, making sure there’s food on the table and gifts under the tree.

We also wish to help pensioners, women and children in refuge, the homeless community and refugees – as well as a whole host of others facing poverty and hardship.

Charity, and the generosity and compassion of the Celtic Family, will always be our past, present and future – it’s our heritage, our responsibility, our lifeblood.

Please join Celtic FC Foundation in making a difference this Christmas – it’s our reason for being.

The key ways to get behind the Christmas Appeal 2021, include:

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 Facebook HERE
5. Donate in Cash – there are collection boxes located in all Celtic Stores
6. Donate by Cheque – payable to ‘Celtic FC Foundation’ and sent to Celtic FC Foundation, Celtic Park, Glasgow G40 3RE.
7. Provide support through your Christmas shopping via Give as you Live and AmazonSmile HERE
8. Make a donation to receive your ‘Celtic FC Foundation Letter from Santa’ HERE
9. Purchase our brand new Foundation T-shirt HERE
10. Come along to Ghirls for Good on Friday, November 26 HERE
11. Sign up for the Celtic Sleep Out, London on Friday, December 3 HERE
12. Support our Light Up the Clover initiative on Thursday, December 9 or matchday bucket collection on Sunday, December 12 – to register as a volunteer collector, call 0141 551 4486 or email [email protected]
13. Enter our new Christmas Appeal Prize Draw – further details to follow.

Thank you for your magnificent support.

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