As Celtic FC Foundation’s Christmas Appeal draws to a close, we continue to shine a light on some of those who will benefit, as a result of your incredible generosity, and today, we turn our attention to organisations who support those facing homelessness.
Recently, Celtic FC Women’s Maria McAneny visited one of the beneficiaries, Elpis Centre, to find out more about the work they do. Elpis operates in the Ruchill area of Glasgow and provides accommodation for young women who have found themselves living on the streets or facing other challenges.
Speaking at her visit, Maria said: “The work they do here at Elpis is amazing for all the young girls and young women, and their children as well. It’s so lovely to see and it’s brilliant that the Foundation are able to help organisations like this through the Christmas Appeal.”
Suzanne Stevenson of Elpis Centre spoke of the support received from the Foundation, saying: “On behalf of everyone at Elpis Centre, I want to express our deepest gratitude for the incredible support you have shown our young women, many of whom are young mothers, over the festive period each year. Your generosity has allowed us to provide each young person with a warm winter jacket, ensuring they face the cold months with comfort and dignity.
“Your donations have also enabled us to put enough fuel in their meters so they can enjoy the holidays without worrying about heat or light. In addition, we’ve been able to offer a few special surprises that mean more than you could ever know. We cannot thank the Foundation, your supporters and everyone involved in the Appeal enough. What you do is truly remarkable. It brings smiles to the faces of the young women we support, and as staff, we feel deeply reassured knowing that none of our girls will go cold during the holidays. Your kindness reaches so many vulnerable people throughout Glasgow and the impact is felt far beyond the festive season.”
Through this year’s Appeal, support over the festive season will also be provided to Glasgow City Mission, Help the Homeless, The Invisibles and The Wayside Club.
These amazing charities collectively provide a vital range of services to make life that little bit more comfortable for those experiencing or facing homelessness, including the provision of hot food and drinks, warm clothing, toiletries and essentials and temporary accommodation, as well as advocacy and advice.
Karen Stewart of Glasgow City Mission also expressed her gratitude for the donations received, saying: “The support from Celtic FC Foundation over the years has been absolutely vital in enabling Glasgow City Mission to care for some of the most vulnerable people in our city, during the coldest and most difficult time of year. Your generosity allows us to provide a warm, welcoming Christmas meal for over 250 people, who would otherwise spend the day alone and to continue providing essential meals throughout the coldest months. This support doesn’t just meet practical needs – it creates a sense of belonging, dignity and community for people who may be facing homelessness, isolation or crisis. We are deeply grateful to Celtic FC Foundation and to every Celtic supporter who donates. Your compassion directly changes lives – providing food, safety, warmth and the chance to move forward. Thank you for standing with us and bringing light to people who need it most.”
Helen McMillan of Help the Homeless Glasgow added: “As always, we want to thank Celtic FC Foundation for their continued support of Help The Homeless Glasgow. It has been incredible over the years and makes such a difference to our work throughout the Christmas period. As most people are aware, we are currently in a state of housing crisis that is seeing more and more individuals and families finding themselves without a permanent home. We believe that everyone deserves a Christmas Dinner, no matter where they find themselves, so our aim is to provide as many individuals and families as possible with a good meal to enjoy on Christmas Day.”
You can 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 continue to 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 still 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
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.
