THERE was plenty of festive fun today at Celtic Park, as Celtic FC Foundation hosted a party for 213 Primary Five children, from four different schools in the East End of Glasgow – Alexandra Parade, Dalmarnock, St Anne’s and St Denis’.
This was the first of three parties we’ll host before Christmas for children in Glasgow.
The party was made possible thanks to the wonderful success of this year’s appeal so far, and the children were treated to a special lunch, a game of pass the parcel, a dance session, ‘tattoo’ artist and a disco.
Hoopy the Huddle Hound was also in attendance and busted a few moves with the children on the dance floor, before Santa Claus himself arrived, to hand out selection boxes to all of the Bhoys and Ghirls.
The afternoon was capped off with a visit from two very special guests, as Celtic first-team players Leigh Griffiths and Jeremie Frimpong joined the party. The Hoops’ stars stayed to take photos with each school and hand out autographs, to all of the children.
Speaking following the party, Celtic FC Foundation Chief Executive, Tony Hamilton said: “We always very much look forward to welcoming the schools for our Christmas parties here at Celtic Park. The children are great fun and it’s a pleasure for us to share in the laughter and joy. The East End of Glasgow is still very much at heart of our Christmas Appeal and we’re delighted to have had so many local children in attendance today.
“I’d also like to thank Jeremie and Leigh for taking time out to join the party as it added hugely to the enjoyment of our very special P5 guests.”
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 and Glasgow’s No.1 Baby and Family Support Service.
Christmas is a time to give and share. And the Glasgow Celtic will be there.
To get behind the Christmas Appeal 2019, you can:
1. Donate by Text – text ‘CELTIC’ followed by ‘£1’, ‘£5’ or ‘£10’ to 70085*
2. Donate Online
3. Donate via PayPal – www.CelticChristmasAppeal.com
4. Donate in Cash – there are collection boxes located in all Celtic Stores
5. Donate by Cheque – payable to ‘Celtic FC Foundation’ and sent to Celtic FC Foundation, Celtic Park, Glasgow G40 3RE.
6. Provide support through your Christmas shopping via Give as you Live and Amazon Smile – http://www.celticfc.net/news/17086
8. 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.
