As we prepare to welcome back participants to our sixth Celtic Sleep Out tonight, we continue our spotlight series highlighting the partners who will benefit from your generosity this Christmas, by taking a closer look at the work of Glasgow-based voluntary organisation, The Invisibles.

Offering practical support to those living on the streets – by providing a variety of essential items such as sleeping bags, clothing, footwear and toiletries – The Invisibles began seven-and-a-half years ago after recognising a local need.

During the pandemic, many of the homeless in Glasgow were temporarily housed so The Invisibles primary focus has had to adapt slightly.

Robert Ryan, a volunteer with The Invisibles said: “Many of the rough sleepers across Glasgow are currently in accommodation which is great news but nobody is sure how long this can continue, and it could change at any moment. We’re still supplying donations to various emergency accommodation units for individuals who need it and working closely with organisations who help refugees and asylum seekers.”

Sadly, not all rough sleepers have accommodation, so The Invisibles have continued their essential street work throughout the pandemic. Volunteers hit the streets, armed with trolleys full of essentials to be handed out to those in desperate need. While some of these items are gathered through public donations, such is the demand, that any funds donated to the organisation go directly towards purchasing new items.

Traditionally, The Invisibles, alongside the Wayside Club, will be provided with any sleeping bags and mats which are donated at the end of tonight’s Sleep Out, which are then shared out among the Glasgow homeless community.

Paul Connolly, another volunteer with The Invisibles said: “We are delighted to again be involved in the Foundation’s Christmas Appeal. This week we will, as always, be out on the streets of Glasgow providing essential items for those in need but more importantly to assure people that we will still be there for them throughout the winter months, even just for a chat or advice.

“I would again like to thank all of the Foundation supporters and I would urge everyone to get involved in this year’s Christmas Appeal. The support and encouragement you have given over the years has been invaluable to the development of the group. ”

The Invisibles join Woman’s Aid in Dublin and Women’s Aid Belfast and Lisburn, as this year’s Christmas Appeal beneficiaries announced thus far.

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. Contribute via our Christmas Appeal Logo Shirt Auction which is now live and will close on Monday, November 15 HERE.
11. Purchase a programme if attending ‘The Tommy Burns Story’ shows which will run until this evening, Saturday, November 13
12. Come along to Ghirls for Good on Friday, November 26 HERE
13. Sign up for the Celtic Sleep Out, London on Friday, December 3 HERE
14. 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 4204 or email [email protected]
15. 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.