The Celtic FC Foundation has donated £400,000 to help people across Scotland through the cost-of-living crisis.
The club's charity arm announced the significant contribution on Friday in a move aimed at supporting those struggling to pay for domestic fuel and other essentials amid rising costs in fuel, gas and groceries.
They have fully funded the initiative and will assign fuel vouchers worth £49 to around 6,200 households, helping approximately 17,000 Scots throughout the country.
An additional 500 individuals will receive a winter warmer self-care pack to the value of £100, with Foundation staff at Celtic Park set to be the initial point of contact for those seeking help.
The charity will also work alongside the Fuel Bank Foundation in a bid to help ease the burden faced by thousands of households in the coming months.
Tony Hamilton, Celtic FC Foundation Chief Executive, said: “Life is becoming increasingly difficult for many people in our communities, and we must do something to help alleviate that.
“Energy prices today are double what they were only a year ago and, although there’s some protection with the current price cap, that is set to rise again in April.
“The Foundation is in a position to help some people through this investment, and, although £400,000 is a big number for us, there are so many more individuals and families needing help that we just won’t reach.
“Thanks to our partners and those who have donated to get us to this point. There’s something truly special about those who support the Foundation and the club in this way - and we will never take that support for granted.”
The packs will be offered to the club's existing programme participants living in poverty or relying on state pension. They will also be distributed to the wider community, with priority given to vulnerable, elderly people.
The winter warmer self-care packs will consist of items which will help Scots to cut energy usage through the colder months, such as a blanket, socks, hand warmers and a £30 food voucher.
A spokesperson added that as some people in the UK are today living without heat, light and power, often because they don’t have money to top up their prepayment meter, they are also are targeting those who use a prepayment meter to offer immediate help, as these people are in "fuel crisis".
Matthew Cole, Head of the Fuel Bank Foundation, said: "Fuel Bank first developed the concept of providing crisis help to households who prepay for energy through a mix of emergency fuel vouchers and simple and easy to action advice, and since launch have helped over 650,000 people.
"Without Fuel Bank help, households risk living without heat, light and power. And, with the generous support of Celtic FC Foundation, around 17,000 additional people will be helped this coming winter.
"Now more than ever before has the issue of fuel poverty been more relevant and, through this unique partnership, Celtic FC Foundation and Fuel Bank will come together to help families who otherwise would miss out.”
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