AS part of this year’s Christmas Appeal, Celtic FC Foundation hosted its second and third Christmas parties – on Wednesday and Thursday– for over 700 children at Celtic Park. The parties were made possible thanks to two very generous private donors, who also donated a total of 539 hampers to local families.
Children from nine Glasgow primary schools – Barmulloch, Broomlea, Cranhill, Royston Primary, Saracen, St Francis’, St Mungo’s, St Roch’s and St Teresa’s – and two nurseries – Keppoch and Royston Nursery – were in attendance across the two days.
At both festive extravaganzas, the children were given the VIP treatment, as they passed through the famous Celtic Boardroom before walking through the Paradise tunnel and heading to the Kerrydale Suite to enjoy host of festivities, including a disco, a magician and some snacks.
Santa Claus also paid a special visit to both parties, accompanied by his reindeer and elves, to ensure that every child left Celtic Park with a gift.
There was a final surprise in store for the children, as they were joined at each party by members of Celtic’s first team, who took time out to get involved in the festivities.
Mikey Johnston and Jozo Simunovic attended Wednesday’s party, while Kristoffer Ajer and Ryan Christie were in attendance yesterday, fresh from Wednesday night’s victory at Tynecastle, in which Ryan got on the scoresheet. The players gave up their time to meet the children, take photos and sign autographs.
Celtic FC Foundation Chief Executive, Tony Hamilton said: “I must express our great thanks to the people who have made this event possible. Thanks to their generosity, we have been able to make it an extra special Christmas for hundreds of kids.
“I would also like to thank Mikey, Jozo, Kristoffer and Ryan for joining us at Celtic Park. We are heavily reliant on support from the football department and to have them along to spend time with the children was fantastic. The excitement upon their arrival was incredible and they have helped to make sure these parties will live long in the memory for the children in attendance.
“Being able to offer events like this is why we request the backing of the supporters each year and once again, they have not failed to get behind us.”
Our Appeal aims to honour the founding principles set out when the Club was formed back in 1887, by continuing to help those in our community, who are most in need. We want to help hundreds of local families facing poverty by giving them the kind of Christmas most of us take for granted.
We also want to support pensioners on our doorstep and help out local charities. We can make a massive difference to the lives of children, the homeless, refugees and those living in refuge or facing other challenges.
A host of organisations have benefitted so far through this year’s Appeal, including Loaves and Fishes, The Invisibles, Glasgow East Women’s Aid, St Roch’s FC Foundation, Elpis Centre, the Salvation Army Parkhead, St Anne’s Primary School, St Anne’s Church, the Cardinal Hume Centre, Simon Community Scotland, Spirit Aid, Glasgow Night Shelter, Women’s Aid Dublin, Women’s Aid Belfast and Lisburn, Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity, Scottish Refugee Council, Glasgow’s No.1 Baby and Family Support Service and The Wayside Club
To get behind the Christmas Appeal 2019, you can:
– Donate by Text – text ‘CELTIC’ followed by ‘£1’, ‘£5’ or ‘£10’ to 70085*
– Donate Online
– Donate via PayPal – www.CelticChristmasAppeal.com
– 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 via Give as you Live and Amazon Smile – http://www.celticfc.net/news/17086
– Purchase the original song from this year’s Celtic Christmas advert, ‘Star Of Glasgow’s Green & White’ HERE. Proceeds will support our 2019 Appeal.
Thank you for your magnificent support.
*Texts will cost the donation amount, plus one standard rate message.
