CELTIC’S first-team squad were in attendance at Glasgow’s new Royal Hospital for Children today to show their support and hand over a Celtic FC Foundation donation of £3,000, as a result of the ongoing Christmas Appeal.

Celtic has had a connection with Yorkhill Hospital for many years and we are delighted to make our first Christmas visit to the new hospital at the Southern General site.

The players today handed over gifts on behalf of the club and the donation made will go to assist the work of the Yorkhill Children’s Charity.

On the support of Celtic FC Foundation, Kirsten Sinclair, Director of Fundraising at Yorkhill Children’s Charity, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Celtic FC Foundation for their generous support.

“Christmas can be a particularly difficult time of year for our young patients. Thanks to the generosity of supporters like the Foundation, Yorkhill Children’s Charity can help to make Christmas as magical and special as possible for the children who are treated here at the hospital.

“We fund enhanced medical equipment, research and family support services at the hospital, but also play services as at this time of year, it cannot be underestimated how important it is for the children to have the chance to play, laugh and have fun like their friends.”

Celtic captain, Scott Brown added: “The players are delighted to come to the hospital today. We have always had a brilliant relationship with Glasgow’s children’s hospital, we know that this can be such a difficult time of year for the kids and we are so pleased to make our first Christmas visit to the new site.

“Of course, we send all the kids and staff at the hospital our very best wishes for Christmas. We know the hospital carries out such great work in looking after kids in need and we are delighted to continue our support.” 

This summer, Celtic marked the closure of Yorkhill Children’s Hospital with a £10,000 donation from Celtic FC Foundation to fund all hospital services at the new site.

Celtic Chief Executive Peter Lawwell said: “We were privileged to enjoy such a close bond with Yorkhill Hospital and to donate hundreds of thousands of pounds over many years to the magnificent work carried out there.  

“While the old hospital has closed and a new chapter begins, it is important to remember that the fundraising work will continue through Yorkhill Children’s Charity, based at the new hospital.

“We know that the exceptionally high level of care given to children will continue at the new hospital.

“We are delighted to make today’s visit, to support this great work and once again hopefully make a positive difference to some very deserving children at a time of year which can be very difficult.” 

For most of us, Christmas is a time of joy. It’s different for those facing poverty and hardship.

Through this year’s Christmas Appeal, Celtic FC Foundation want to help around 200 local families provide a happy Christmas for their children and 10 charities who care for those experiencing homeless or other disadvantage.

But we can’t do this without you.

Please follow the Celtic Way to help us give back this Christmas.

There are a number of ways you can still get behind the 2015 Christmas Appeal:

– Donate by Text – text ‘CELT07’ followed by ‘£1’, ‘£5’ or ‘£10’ to 70070

– Donate Online – HERE

– Donate via Paypal  – Click HERE and simply use our email address to donate: [email protected] Quote/Ref: CA2015

– 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.

– Take part in our Christmas Appeal Bucket Collection – HERE

– Take part in our Champion Challenge – HERE 

– Come along to our Ghirls for Good ladies lunch on Saturday, December 12 – HERE

– Give as You Live via your Christmas shopping – HERE