ON Sunday, September 22, pre-match at the home game against Kilmarnock, a joint initiative between Celtic FC Foundation and partner Glasgow NE Foodbank will once more address issues of poverty and hunger in our society by collecting items and distributing to those in need.

Celtic FC Foundation’s partnership with Glasgow NE Foodbank has continued to make a significant difference in the past year, thanks to the generosity of Celtic supporters across the world.

The Foodbank, which is headquartered at the Church of Scotland in Helenvale Street, a stone’s throw from Celtic Park, operates out of six centres across the north and east of the city and helps hundreds of families every month.

As part of this specific collection, as well as Glasgow NE Foodbank, the Foundation are also teaming up with the other three Glasgow Foodbanks and we would like to invite all supporters who are attending the match against Kilmarnock to bring along a donation if they can. Even one item from the list can make a huge difference to someone’s life.

The most urgent items listed in order of priority are:

Tinned vegetables
Tinned fish
Tinned rice
Tinned fruit
Packet Custard
Pasta
Pasta Sauce
Tea bags
UHT milk
Juice
Biscuits

There will be three drop-off stations: The Clover on Celtic Way (main collection), the North West of the stadium (Holywell Street) and North East (Janefield Street).

Please note that this is not a cash collection.

We are also looking for volunteers to assist on the day, based both at Celtic Park and at Calton Parkhead Parish Church. If you would like to volunteer you can register with Glasgow North East Foodbank. Please get in touch by emailing info@glasgowne.foodbank.org.uk. The last date for registration is Friday, September 13, 2019.

Celtic FC Foundation Chief Executive, Tony Hamilton said: “Tackling poverty and assisting people living in poverty remains our first priority at Celtic FC Foundation. The Foodbank partnership we have is essential as we strive to do this.

“Celtic FC Foundation has had enormous support for these collections over the years and we are asking the club’s fans to back this campaign again and support four Foodbanks from across the city, who in turn will put food on people’s tables.

“Making ends meet is becoming increasingly difficult for many families in various parts of the country, and we cannot ignore those who need help, especially those with young children and elderly people.

“Please check the list for essential items and if you can help out on the day please register to volunteer. We are very grateful for your support."

Linda Stuart, Glasgow NE Foodbank co-ordinator, said: “We never cease to be amazed at the generosity of Celtic supporters and over the last few months the number of people being referred to our foodbank has increased dramatically so this ongoing support is invaluable.

“We have six outreach foodbanks in North East Glasgow and each one is increasing the number of people it feeds each week. Without the exceptional goodwill and generosity of Celtic FC, Celtic FC Foundation and Celtic supporters we would struggle to help as many people as we do”.

Foodbank collection at Celtic Park on day of Kilmarnock game