AS the rain poured down pre-match against Kilmarnock on Wednesday, May 9, around 20 volunteers from five foodbanks braved the conditions to help collect and co-ordinate the pre-match foodbank collection.
The wind and the rain persisted, yet fans arrived in their hundreds to donate bags on the Clover and at the East and West drop-off stations, while Celtic goalkeeper, Craig Gordon, also paid a visit to make a donation.
Celtic FC Foundation and the foodbanks involved can now proudly announce that even in such atrocious weather conditions, just under five tonnes of food was collected on the night – the equivalent to 5,500 meals! A tremendous result for everyone.
On behalf of Celtic FC Foundation and the beneficiaries involved, we say a massive thank you to everyone who brought along a donation on the night, and to the volunteers who kept smiling while trying to keep bags of sugar and boxes of cereal dry!
Food collection partners for this collection included:
– Glasgow NE Foodbanks
– Glasgow NW Foodbank
– Glasgow SW Foodbank
– Glasgow SE Foodbank
– West Dunbartonshire Community Foodshare
Cash collected on the night will be donated equally between the five participating foodbanks.
Tony Hamilton, Celtic FC Foundation Chief Executive, said: “The challenging weather and midweek fixture was not enough to dampen anyone’s spirit for this pre-match collection. To see such a turnout was exceptional given the circumstances.
“Celtic fans’ support of our work is incredible when there is a call to action close to their hearts and this one was based on the reasons why our fantastic Club was formed. Thank you to each and every supporter who made a donation, and to the volunteers and foodbanks involved.”
Tara Maguire, Glasgow NE Foodbank Co-ordinator said: “We are never in doubt that Celtic fans will rally to help those in crisis. The food we received provided three weeks of emergency parcels. As our numbers increase daily, we are always in need of donations.
“The money we received will go towards keeping our fresh fruit, hot hearty soup and fresh egg initiatives going. As always, thank you!”
