THESE are extraordinary times for everyone around the world and nowhere more so than New York City, which has found itself at the epicentre of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States.

New York is extremely important to Celtic FC Foundation, having built strong relationships with the supporters’ clubs across the state and delivering our Annual Gala Dinner there in recent years. We have friends who share with us the tragic effect COVID-19 is having on the city, and across the globe.

Celtic FC Foundation was due to deliver its Summer Games project in New York for the first time this summer through funds raised from 2019’s Gala event. Unfortunately that will no longer be possible. However, these funds will be diverted to the charity partners who would have been delivering the project with us, and two partner charities will each receive £15,000 to help them address the situation.

Celtic FC Foundation has already committed almost £300,000 to a range of projects and charitable causes aimed at supporting those affected by the virus.

Getting basics such as food and essentials has become an even greater burden. In a city like New York, this requires exceptional people taking exceptional measures to ensure the safety of those most in need.

As the COVID-19 crisis continues to grip New York City, few are at greater risk than homeless families and individuals. Those without homes have nowhere to self-quarantine, cannot practice social distancing and those on the streets lack even regular access to a sink with running water and soap to wash their hands. Furthermore, homeless New Yorkers generally don’t have quality health care and are likely to have the types of underlying medical conditions that result in high mortality rates should they contract the virus.

Celtic FC Foundation are making a donation of £15,000 to Coalition for the Homeless. With over 62,000 people sleeping in shelters in New York tonight, the charity continues to work through the COVID-19 pandemic delivering its Grand Central feeding project.

Celtic FC Foundation’s other partner, Children’s Aid, will also receive a £15,000 donation. For families living in poverty in New York City, the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbates the everyday challenges they face, including hunger and food insecurity.

Children’s Aid is ensuring the health and safety of families living in poverty during this unprecedented crisis. They are working to ensure families, youth and children have access to food boxes containing safe, fresh, nutritious food distributed across a variety of community based hubs.

Sarah Murphy, Coalition for the Homeless Director of Development, said: “New York City is the epicentre of this terrible pandemic, and no-one is more vulnerable than our homeless neighbours.

"The Coalition for the Homeless is out there every single day bringing food and emergency supplies like face masks and hand sanitizer to the thousands of men and women trying to survive on our streets. We are so thankful for the generous support of Celtic FC Foundation, which allows us to continue these critical efforts.”

Caroline Gallagher, Chief Development Officer at Children’s Aid, said: “For families living in poverty, the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbates the everyday challenges they face, including hunger and access to healthy food. Children’s Aid is working tirelessly to ensure the safety and health of our families during this unprecedented crisis.

"With the support of Celtic FC Foundation, we have the opportunity to continue to provide children and families in our target neighbourhoods’ access to fresh nutritious food.”

Foundation's £30k support for New York City COVID-19 projects