WITH Celtic FC Foundation’s 2015 Christmas Appeal firmly underway, our spotlight series now looks at the work of another beneficiary, The Salvation Army.

This year, Celtic FC Foundation has pledged to support The Salvation Army’s homeless unit in Parkhead and we sat down with Salvation Army worker, Major Gordon Atter, to find out more about the crucial services they provide in the East End of Glasgow.

Established in the 19th century, The Salvation Army began as a benevolent charitable organisation dedicated to alleviating hardship and empowering the impoverished.

On the origins of the charity, Major Gordon said: “William Booth started The Salvation Army in the East End of London in 1865. Starting by feeding the hungry, starting soup kitchens, an employment exchange and a penny bank and that developed into what The Salvation Army is today, meeting needs within the community.”

A flagship service of The Salvation Army in Parkhead is the Laughter and Lunch Club. Designed to bring the community together, Major Gordon underlined the value of the initiative, saying: “It’s to combat loneliness and advocate friendship, people can have company and someone to talk to as well as activity and that’s what we try and do.”

Major Gordon rounded off by explaining how your contribution to Celtic FC Foundation’s Christmas Appeal will make a huge difference to people’s lives, with their commitment to helping others extending beyond the festive period.

He said: “We’ll be able to supply a Christmas dinner with quality presents such as clothing for the men and women who come in. Also, it will support our programme for children, offering Christmas presents, but also throughout the year.

“After Christmas, we think it’s all over but January and February can be very cold months and some people come in and they’re absolutely frozen. With the help of Celtic FC Foundation, we’ll be able to provide clothing and support our foodbank and top it up with quality food.”

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

Through this year’s Appeal, we want to help around 200 local families provide a happy Christmas for their children. A meal on the table and gifts for the kids. To keep the magic alive.

We also want to support The Salvation Army, The Invisibles, Glasgow City Mission, The Wayside Club Centre and other local charities who care for those experiencing homelessness or other disadvantage.

But we can’t do this without you.

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

You can get behind the 2015 Christmas Appeal in the following ways:

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

– Donate Online – HERE

– 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 Champion Challenge HERE

– Support our inaugural Celtic Sleep Out event on Saturday, November 14 – HERE

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

– Give as You Live via your Christmas shopping – HERE 

Any support you give this Christmas will help those who need it most. Thank you for making a difference.