AS part of this year’s Christmas Appeal, Celtic FC Foundation staged a second and third Christmas Party – in two instalments, across the afternoon and evening – for almost 600 children today at Celtic Park. 

The events were held thanks to two very generous private donors, and we welcomed kids from seven Glasgow primary schools – Saracen, St Teresa’s, St Mungo’s, St Roch’s, Barmulloch, Royston and St Francis’ – and three nurseries – Keppoch, Royston and Stepping Stones.

Each instalment of the festive extravaganza kicked off with a walk down the famous tunnel in Paradise – plus a trip to the Boardroom for those in P4-P7 – and our extra special guests were treated to a wonderful party in the Kerrydale Suite. 

Celtic stars Callum McGregor and Mikey Johnston also kindly gave up their time to meet the children.

The parties included a very special visit from Santa, his reindeer and his elves – with a gift for each child – a disco, a magician and some festive snacks.

Celtic FC Foundation’s Christmas Appeal aims to Make Dreams Come True this Christmas and help those on our doorstep who need it most. We want to help hundreds of local families facing poverty, giving them the kind of Christmas most of us take for granted, with lots of food on the table and gifts for the kids, and making sure Santa pays a visit on Christmas Eve.

We also want to support pensioners on our doorstep, by lending a hand at a difficult time of year. Local charities need our help too. We can make a massive difference to the lives of children, the homeless, those living in refuge, refugees and those facing other challenges.

All of our charity partners have now been confirmed and they are: the Wayside Club, Glasgow Night Shelter, Elpis Centre, Scottish Refugee Council, The Invisibles, St Roch’s FC Foundation, Glasgow City Mission, Spirit Aid, Salvation Army Parkhead, Refuweegee, Simon Community Scotland, Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity, Loaves and Fishes, Glasgow East Women’s Aid, plus three London-based organisations – St Anne’s Primary School, St Anne’s Church and the Cardinal Hume Centre – two in Ireland – Women’s Aid Dublin and Women’s Aid Belfast and Lisburn – and the Ottawa Mission in Canada.

Celtic FC Foundation Chief Executive, Tony Hamilton said: “My thanks firstly to the people who have made events like this possible. Without the Celtic support at home and abroad, we would not be able to do any of the things we’ve done this Christmas.

“These events are brilliant for kids. That’s the spirit of Christmas and events like these, helping families and helping marginalised groups and individuals is why we ask for support every year. It was great to see Callum and Mikey there too.

“We rely heavily on the support of the football department and I’m very grateful they found the time through such a busy schedule. We’re very close to the end of this year’s Appeal but there’s still plenty to do and plenty ways which people can help.”

The support received so far for the Appeal has been overwhelming but there’s still time to get involved. You can get behind it in the following ways:

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. Download Toy Tin Soldier’s charity single ‘A Club Where All Belong’ HERE

Thank you for helping us to Make Dreams Come True this Christmas.