AS our beneficiary series continues, we turn our focus to another organisation that has benefitted through the Football for Good Fund - the Eric Liddell Centre (ELC) who received a donation of £10,000.

The ELC is a registered care charity and major Edinburgh community hub, providing a wide range of services dedicated to inspiring, empowering and supporting people of all ages. The organisation specialises in care for the elderly and dementia services with the aim of supporting people to remain in their own homes for as long as possible.

Before the current COVID-19 crisis, Celtic FC Foundation worked alongside the ELC to deliver the Liddell Lions Lunch Breaks project, which works with individuals living with dementia as well as their carers. The project operates on a simple, friendly and inclusive approach, prioritising responsive and engaging activities for both carers, and people living with early to mid-stages of dementia.

CEO at the ELC, John MacMillan, spoke about what the organisation has been doing throughout the current coronavirus crisis.

He said: “It’s had a massive impact on all of our services as we have had to close the Centre and re-think how we continue to support the thousands of individuals and families that we are here to serve.

“We’re fortunate to have our own chef and we have re-opened our kitchen, so she can prepare lunches for vulnerable people throughout Edinburgh.

“The lunches are delivered by a group of almost 40 volunteers and, without their support, we would struggle to make this project work. The Lunch Delivery Programme started in early April and delivers a healthy and wholesome lunch to the doors of vulnerable people, five days a week, Monday to Friday.

“The £10,000 donation from Celtic FC Foundation was the catalyst for our Lunch Delivery Programme – without this support, we would not have been able to take this much needed service to people who really need food during these difficult times.

“The Foundation’s backing has created a critical mass of support for vulnerable people that might not have happened otherwise.

“The Eric Liddell Centre is delighted to be able to work in partnership with Celtic FC Foundation – many thanks for your financial support and also for providing the encouragement, enthusiasm and leadership for us, so we can make a difference to many vulnerable people’s lives and circumstances. We’re in this together!”

To register for further details on the Football for Good Fund or any other Celtic FC Foundation activities, please email cfcfoundation@celticfc.co.uk and we will respond to you as soon as we possibly can.

Football for Good Fund Beneficiary: The Eric Liddell Centre