CELTIC FC Foundation’s 2018 Christmas Appeal was in full swing at Celtic Park on Friday afternoon as we hosted a party for 219 Primary Five children from five schools in the East End of Glasgow – Golfhill, Sacred Heart, St Michael’s, St Paul’s and Wellshot. This was the first of three parties we’ll host before Christmas for children in Glasgow.

The event was held due to the incredibly generous support received for the Christmas Appeal so far, and the kids were treated to a special lunch, a game of pass the parcel, a dance session, ‘tattoo’ artist and a D.I.S.C.O!

There were also a couple of special visitors in the shape of Hoopy the Huddle Hound and Santa Claus, who delivered a selection box to each child.

Our 2018 Christmas Appeal was launched on November 6 and reflects the very essence of why our club was set up back in 1887.

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.

Our 13 charity partners confirmed so far are Loaves and Fishes, Simon Community Scotland, Scottish Refugee Council, Glasgow East Women’s Aid, The Invisibles, St Roch’s FC Foundation, Glasgow City Mission, Spirit Aid, Salvation Army Parkhead and Refuweegee, plus three London-based organisations – St Anne’s Primary School, St Anne’s Church and the Cardinal Hume Centre.

Celtic FC Foundation Chief Executive, Tony Hamilton, said: “This is always a magical day in Paradise and the scene was a joy to behold. Children laughing, singing and dancing and enjoying the wonder of Christmas. The East End of Glasgow sits at the very heart of our Christmas Appeal and it was an honour to welcome the P5s to Paradise.

“The party was delivered due to the support received to date for our 2018 Appeal and we thank each and every one of you for putting smiles on the faces of 219 children.”

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.