WITH our Celtic Sleep Out, London event completed earlier today (Saturday), we turn our attention to two of the London-based beneficiaries of this year’s Christmas Appeal – St. Anne’s Primary School and St. Anne’s Church.
The Sleep Out participants were welcomed into St Anne’s Church for the introduction and briefing elements of the event, while the school played host for the night as they battled the elements outdoors from 10.00pm on Friday until 6.00am this morning.
The venues hold huge historical and emotional significance for the Celtic Family. In 1892, five years after his leading role in the formation of Celtic Football Club, the Marist Order moved Brother Walfrid from Glasgow, to the Whitechapel area of London’s East End.
Over the next 15 years, as Head Teacher at St Anne’s Primary, Brother Walfrid transformed the school and also established local boys’ clubs and a project to provide meals to the poor in the local community.
This year, support from Celtic FC Foundation will allow the school to take pupils – many of whom are from disadvantaged backgrounds – on Christmas outings, as well as provide them with a Christmas party.
St. Anne’s Church will also benefit from your donations, which will assist them in supporting local families in need.
Sheila Mouna, Head Teacher at St. Anne’s and Parish Priest, Father Paulo Bagini, spoke of their gratitude for the support received.
Sheila said: “We are so extremely grateful to Celtic FC Foundation for their support again this Christmas. The donation will help us to take the children to a Christmas pantomime and put on a Christmas party. For many of our children this is, in their words ‘the best day of my life’.”
Father Paulo added: “Once again the good people of St. Anne’s Parish are glad to welcome the Celtic FC Foundation Sleep Out event.
“This part of London is still as struck with poverty and want as it was in the days of Brother Walfrid. Last year’s help from Celtic FC Foundation allowed us to come to the aid of several families who found themselves in great, sudden need. These families and I want to thank you for your generosity and we look forward to continuing this beautiful work together.”
St. Anne’s Primary School and Church join Glasgow East Women’s Aid, The Invisibles, St. Roch’s FC Foundation and Glasgow City Mission as the confirmed beneficiaries of this year’s Christmas Appeal so far.
Through our Appeal, we’re aiming to help local families and pensioners who face poverty and hardship and a number of charities who care for those experiencing the torment of homelessness or other disadvantage.
So please help us Make Dreams Come True this Christmas.
To get behind the Christmas Appeal 2018, you can:
1. Donate by Text – text ‘CELT07’ followed by ‘£1’, ‘£5’ or ‘£10’ to 70070
2. Donate Online HERE
3. Donate via Paypal HERE
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. Give As You Live via your Christmas Shopping HERE
7. Come along to Ghirls for Good on Saturday, December 1 HERE
8. Support our matchday bucket collection on Saturday, December 8 HERE
9. Take part in our Light up the Clover event on Thursday, December 13 – further details to follow.
10. Contribute via our Christmas Appeal eBay Auction, of which all proceeds will be donated to the Appeal – further details to follow.
11. Make a donation to receive your ‘Celtic FC Foundation Letter from Santa’– further details to follow.
Thank you for making a difference.
