Thanks to the generous support of the Celtic Family through our Christmas Appeal so far, Celtic FC Foundation hosted a festive carvery lunch at Celtic Park this afternoon, for around 120 special guests, who use the services of Simon Community Scotland.
Simon Community Scotland was launched in 1966 and has continued to work to combat the causes and effects of homelessness since then. The organisation provides information, advice, care, support, accommodation and homes for those experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness.
Our visitors were joined by Murray Easton, Head of Fundraising and Communications at Simon Community Scotland, plus staff and volunteers, alongside members of the Celtic FC Foundation team.
After a welcome from Celtic FC Foundation Chief Executive, Tony Hamilton, Murray thanked guests for coming along and the Foundation for their support. We also heard from one of the attendees – Kevin, who bravely shared his own story.
Kevin was homeless and faced addiction for many years before support from Simon Community Scotland drove him to turn things around in terms of his own situation and he now also volunteers for the charity.
Former Celt, Tosh McKinlay, was also in attendance as he spent time catching up with our guests, taking photos and signing autographs.
Celtic FC Foundation and Simon Community Scotland have worked closely for more 20 years, particularly during the festive period.
However, due to the impact of the COVID pandemic, this was the first time Celtic FC Foundation have been able to welcome our friends back to Celtic Park since 2019 – although we still provided vital donations in 2020 and 2021.
Celtic FC Foundation CEO, Tony Hamilton spoke following the event, saying: “The lunch is always a wonderful occasion for all of those in attendance and our team were absolutely thrilled to welcome guests from Simon Community Scotland back here to Celtic Park.
‘We’ve really missed hosting this event over the past couple of years, so it was great to see our friends in person once again, enjoying themselves today.’
“We owe a huge debt of gratitude to everyone who has contributed to the Christmas Appeal so far. It would not be possible to support organisations such as Simon Community Scotland, without your incredible and continued backing, particularly against the backdrop of a crushing cost of living crisis.”
Murray Easton added: “Everyone at Simon Community Scotland would like to say thank you to Celtic FC Foundation and to all the Celtic supporters worldwide, who make events like this happen. You make such a difference every single year.
“For us, this is an opportunity to bring people we support together and to see them chat and smile over good food, in a special setting.
“It’s an opportunity to show that people care. And that is apparent in everything that Celtic FC Foundation do. Thanks for all your help this year and over the years, it is greatly appreciated.”
You can hear more from Murray and Simon Community Scotland in our latest Appeal beneficiary video below and read further details about the other organisations that will benefit from your support, via our Christmas Appeal webpage HERE.
Through our 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 aim 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.
The generosity and compassion of the Celtic support is truly unsurpassed and we simply cannot make a difference to the lives of so many without you.
Together, we can Share the Magic this Christmas.
To get behind this year’s Christmas Appeal, you can:
- 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
- Provide support through your Christmas shopping via Give as you Live and AmazonSmile HERE
- Enter our Appeal Prize Draw HERE
- Purchase our brand new T-shirt HERE
Thank you for your magnificent support.
*Texts will cost the donation amount, plus one standard rate message
