THE generosity of the Celtic Family has been evident throughout this year’s Christmas Appeal and, thanks to the backing received from our supporters, a number of charity partners will benefit from the funds raised.

Scottish Refugee Council is the next Christmas Appeal beneficiary organisation to feature in our spotlight series.

Based in Glasgow’s city centre, Scottish Refugee Council is the leading national refugee charity, working with refugees living in Scotland, to protect their rights and support integration and inclusion.

It aims to help those who have fled war, conflict or abuse of human rights, to rebuild their lives in safety, in Scotland. Every year Scottish Refugee Council provides emotional and practical support to thousands of vulnerable individuals and helps over 650 families to access essential services like housing, healthcare and legal assistance.

Louise McGovern of Scottish Refugee Council, spoke of the organisation’s need for support this Christmas. She said: “The festive period is a time for getting together with loved ones and celebrating what’s important, but for many refugee families it is a time of poverty and loneliness.

“Our family services offer a safe space for families who have nowhere else to turn. We provide holistic, specialised support, so that parents can overcome trauma and begin to build a positive and sustainable future for their children.

“The support of Celtic FC Foundation has helped hundreds of vulnerable families at a time of real need. Last year, donations received through the Christmas Appeal helped Scottish Refugee Council to arrange child-focused activities, to help families improve their language skills, build social connections and create happy memories together.

“In a single day, our advisors will support people who have become homeless, help parents who have no winter clothes for their children, and assist vulnerable families who are struggling through a complex legal system. The need for our services is greater than ever, and this winter we will struggle to support so many families without help.

“We simply couldn’t continue our work without amazing organisations like Celtic FC Foundation and their generous supporters. We are so grateful to every individual who makes a donation to the Christmas Appeal this year.”

Scottish Refugee Council is the latest of our Christmas Appeal beneficiaries to be announced, joining 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, Glasgow Night Shelter, Women’s Aid Dublin, Women’s Aid Belfast and Lisburn and Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity.

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

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

9. 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.

Foundation Christmas Appeal Beneficiary - Scottish Refugee Council