Celtic's 2022 Christmas Appeal has raked in a record-breaking £385,000 after a succesful festive campaign.
The club's charitable arm – Celtic FC foundation – joined forced with the club to 'share the magic' and raise vital funds for the most vulnerable in our society ahead of one of the toughest Christmas periods in recent memory amid the cost of living crisis. Such support has allowed the Premiership champions to assist 987 families facing poverty and hardship, while 428 vulnerable pensioners have been given a helping hand through the provision of Christmas vouchers or a hot meal.
Eight hundred and 44 children directly have been aided, a festive lunch for 120 people from Simon Community Scotland has been hosted and donations have been made to 32 grassroots organisations who support children, woman and children in refuge, the homeless and refugees, primarily in Glasgow and the west of Scotland, but also in Belfast, Dublin, Donegal, London, Newcastle, Oban and Ottawa.
Celtic chief executive Michael Nicholson said: “The work of the Foundation is fundamental to Celtic’s ethos. It continues to make such a meaningful and positive difference to the lives of so many.
“Everyone at the club is delighted to have supported this year’s fantastic Christmas Appeal. It has delivered great results once more, which will ultimately see thousands of very deserving people receiving important care and support."
Tony Hamilton, Celtic Foundation chief executive, added: “Against a backdrop of a current cost of living crisis, the total raised by our supporters is absolutely phenomenal. Despite their own financial challenges, they have stepped up yet again, to help the most vulnerable in our communities.
“My heartfelt thanks go to every individual, every supporters’ club, every club and Foundation partner, every private donor, every funder, every event sponsor, and all of our colleagues at Celtic Park and Lennoxtown who have Shared the Magic of Christmas with so many children, families and individuals who were in desperate need of assistance and compassion.
“The fact we have achieved our highest ever total is absolutely incredible. But I’m not surprised the Celtic family has gone above and beyond, yet again."
