WE continue our spotlight series on this year’s Christmas Appeal beneficiaries today, as we turn our attention to Women’s Aid, and in particular, the work that the organisation does in Dublin, as well as Belfast and Lisburn.

Women’s Aid is a national charity working to end domestic abuse against women and children. It has been at the forefront of shaping and coordinating responses to domestic violence and abuse through practice for over 45 years. It aims to empower survivors by keeping their voices at the heart of its work, by listening to them and responding to their needs.

For those experiencing the effects of domestic abuse, Christmas can be a time of fear and isolation, rather than one of peace and joy. Support received in the past through Celtic FC Foundation’s Christmas Appeal, has allowed both Women’s Aid Dublin and Women’s Aid Belfast and Lisburn to make the festive period a positive one again, for many of the women and children they work with.

Gillian Dennehy of Women’s Aid Dublin and Liz Johnston of Women’s Aid Belfast and Lisburn both spoke of invaluable support received through the Appeal.

Gillian said: “One in five women are affected by domestic violence in the Republic of Ireland. Each year, Women’s Aid supports thousands of women and children using our services.

"Christmas offers no respite for women experiencing domestic violence. Many women and their children spend the festive season living in fear and walking on eggshells. Our 24-hour national free phone helpline will be available throughout the festive period and our staff and volunteers are preparing for a busy period, with many women calling in the run up to Christmas, worried about their partner’s behaviour or financial stresses.

“Support from Celtic FC Foundation has helped women put food on the table, pay bills, put presents under the tree and buy clothes for their children. Your generosity has directly benefitted the women and their families that we support.

“It has meant that we have been able to alleviate some of the pressure for women who are struggling against all odds to keep their families safe. On behalf of all the women and children that we support - thank you so much.”

Liz added: “This can be a frightening and lonely time for women and children who are experiencing domestic violence. Our refuges are full and our outreach team are busy helping women living in the community.

“As a result of the generous donations we receive, we can work to ensure that no woman or child engaged in our services goes without this Christmas. We are also of sound knowledge that Santa visits our refuges as well, so all children can sleep in the peace of knowing they won’t be forgotten about, even if they are away from home.

“We have seen women break down in tears thanks to the support received through Celtic FC Foundation’s Christmas Appeal. They can be in the worst of situations and you have offered them hope to help to get them through a very difficult time of year.

“We extend a sincere thank you to everyone involved in your appeal because it does really change lives, I have seen it with my own eyes.”

Women’s Aid Dublin and Women’s Aid Belfast and Lisburn follow Loaves and Fishes, The Invisibles, Glasgow East Women’s Aid, St Roch’s FC Foundation, Elpis Centre, the Salvation Army Parkhead, St Anne’s Primary School, St Anne’s Church, the Cardinal Hume Centre, Simon Community Scotland, Spirit Aid and Glasgow Night Shelter, as our Christmas Appeal beneficiaries confirmed thus far.

Our appeal aims to honour the founding principles set out when the club was formed back in 1887, by continuing to help those in our community, who are most in need. We want to help hundreds of local families facing poverty by giving them the kind of Christmas most of us take for granted.

We also want to support pensioners on our doorstep and help out local charities. We can make a massive difference to the lives of children, the homeless, refugees and those living in refuge or facing other challenges.

Christmas is a time to give and share. And the Glasgow Celtic will be there.

To get behind the Christmas Appeal 2019, you can:

1.Donate by Text – text ‘CELTIC’ followed by ‘£1’, ‘£5’ or ‘£10’ to 70085*

2.Donate Online

3.Donate via PayPal – www.CelticChristmasAppeal.com

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.Provide support through your Christmas shopping via Give as you Live and Amazon Smile – http://www.celticfc.net/news/17086

7.Contribute via our Christmas Appeal eBay auction which is now live and will close on Tuesday, December 10 around 7pm.

Make a donation to receive your ‘Celtic FC Foundation Letter from Santa’ – http://www.celticfc.net/news/17114

9.Support our match-day bucket collection on Sunday, December 15 – http://www.celticfc.net/news/17171

10.Purchase the original song from this year’s Celtic Christmas advert, ‘Star Of Glasgow's Green & White’ HERE. Proceeds will support our 2019 Appeal.

Thank you for your magnificent support.

*Texts will cost the donation amount, plus one standard rate message.

Christmas Appeal supports Dublin and Belfast Women’s Aid