CONTINUING with Celtic FC Foundation’s spotlight series looking at our Christmas Appeal beneficiaries, we now look at the work of The Wayside Club Centre.

Established in the 1930s, The Wayside Club Centre exists to provide a refuge and offers a helping hand to those suffering from homelessness and social exclusion.

Tom Boyd senior, volunteer at The Wayside Centre and father of the Celtic legend, underlined the need for assistance and the impact of Christmas Appeal support.

Tom said: “The Wayside Club Centre are the only organisation in the city that operates 365 days-a-year and relies entirely on generous donations from the general public.

“Significantly, we provide a warm, safe refuge for vulnerable individuals who are suffering from homelessness, addiction and living in chaotic and uncertain circumstances.   

“Your donation will help us bring some relief in the form of a warm meal, shelter from inclement weather as well as essentials that we often take for granted like haircuts, showers, underwear and even fresh socks.

“Together with the assistance from Celtic FC Foundation and their wonderful supporters this Christmas, we hope we can bring some comfort to those less fortunate.”

The Wayside Club Centre is just one of the charities we will be supporting through this year’s Christmas Appeal, along with around 200 local families facing poverty and hardship – to provide a meal on the table and gifts for their children.

In the coming weeks, we will highlight each of the beneficiary charities and the incredible difference your support will make.

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

To get behind the 2015 Christmas Appeal, donations can be made 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.

– Give as You Live via your Christmas shopping – HERE

As part of the Appeal, Celtic FC Foundation are also hosting two fundraising events:

Celtic Sleep Out – Saturday, November 14, 2015

Participants will spend the night – from 10.00pm to 6.00am – under the stars in Paradise, along the trackside area in front of the Main Stand, looking onto the hallowed turf. Places are limited and will be offered on a first come, first served basis. The entry fee is £30 and participants are asked to then raise a minimum of £125 in sponsorship. Further details, including sign-up, are available HERE

Ghirls for Good – Saturday, December 12, 2015

Sponsored by Enchanted Forest and Friends, this ladies lunch event will take place in the Kerrydale Suite at Celtic Park. The afternoon of fabulous festive fun, fizz and frolics will include a delicious Christmas lunch, auction, raffle, live entertainment, a festive DJ and Christmas gift stalls. The cost for a table of 10 is £450 or places can be purchased on an individual basis at £45pp. To make a reservation, please call 0141-551 4262 or email [email protected]

We will also be providing a party for some local primary school children on Wednesday, December 16 in the Kerrydale Suite.

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