WE continue our series on this year’s Christmas Appeal beneficiaries, with a closer look at the work of Women’s Aid and in particular, its work in Dublin as well as Belfast and Lisburn.
Women’s Aid has been working to stop domestic violence against women and children since 1974.
It aims to provide safety and support for women and children who have experienced domestic abuse and to work for and with women and children to ensure their voices are heard and their needs are met.
For those who have suffered the effects of domestic violence, Christmas can be a frightening and lonely time. With the support of Celtic FC Foundation, both Women’s Aid Dublin and Women’s Aid Belfast and Lisburn have been able to make the festive period a more peaceful time for many of the women and children which it supports by assisting in the provision of food, heating and electricity.
Gillian Dennehy of Dublin Women’s Aid and Liz Johnston of Belfast and Lisburn Women’s Aid both spoke of their gratitude for the support provided through our Christmas Appeal.
Gillian said: “Christmas offers no respite for women experiencing domestic violence. Many women and their children are spending the festive season living in fear and walking on eggshells.
“With the support received from Celtic FC Foundation, so many women and their families have directly benefited through our face-to-face services based in Dublin. We believe that providing vouchers to women so that they can decide what best to use the money for is a more empowering and practical way to help women and children at Christmas time.
“Any support received this Christmas will allow women who are often budgeting tightly, to pay bills, feed their children and to provide treats, gifts and extra special food on the table for the Christmas period for their family.
“Your support over the past number of years has been tremendous. It has meant that we have been able to alleviate some of the pressure for women who are struggling against all odds to keep their families safe and well and for whom Christmas adds so much extra stress. On behalf of all the women and children experiencing domestic violence that we support – thank you so much.”
Liz added: “At Women’s Aid Belfast and Lisburn, the period before Christmas is a very busy time. We are so grateful for your generous donation. As a result, we can work to ensure that no woman or child engaged in our services goes without at Christmas.
“We are also of sound knowledge that Santa visits our refuges as well, so all children can sleep in the peace of knowing they won’t be forgotten about, even if they are away from home.
“We work tirelessly to make what is a very tough time of year, the best it can be under difficult circumstances and your generosity has greatly helped us do just that.
“Thank you so much to Celtic FC Foundation and to everyone who has supported their Christmas Appeal.”
Women’s Aid Dublin and Women’s Aid Belfast and Lisburn are among a host of beneficiaries who will receive support through our 2018 Christmas Appeal. They join Scottish Refugee Council, Glasgow East Women’s Aid, 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, plus three London-based organisations – St Anne’s Primary School, St Anne’s Church and the Cardinal Hume Centre.
Through the Appeal, 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. 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.
Your generosity has been overwhelming so far but there’s still time to get involved. You can get behind the Christmas Appeal 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.
