We continue our spotlight series on the organisations set to benefit as a result of your generous donations this festive season, with a closer look at the work of Spirit Aid.

Spirit Aid is a humanitarian relief organisation dedicated to alleviating the suffering of children and young people and families, whose lives have been devastated by war, poverty, lack of opportunity or humanitarian crisis.

A Foundation charity partner through our Football for Good Fund, Spirit Aid have played a vital role in ensuring that those most in need received food hampers and supermarket vouchers, since the COVID-19 pandemic hit Scotland. Throughout the festive period, the organisation will be providing practical support to families living in poverty, through the provision of food and assistance with heating allowance, as well as supplying toys for many children who might otherwise receive nothing.

Patrick Rolink of Spirit Aid spoke of the struggles faced by many of those who receive their support and expressed his gratitude for the continued backing of Celtic FC Foundation.

He said: “We’re literally putting food on people tables, which goes right back to what the club was formed for by Brother Walfrid.

“The Foundation have shown a great level of commitment and passion for helping people who really, really need it. We are so grateful for the support and to all of the Celtic supporters who have donated through the Football for Good Fund, including the current Christmas Appeal phase. It’s a fabulous chain, from the fan, to the Foundation, to people making a difference in the community.

“At Spirit Aid we can receive a phone call at any hour, from someone who may not have any gas to cook with or heat their home.

'Others call us with children at home and are without baby food to feed them. We will literally go out and put the gas or electricity back on for people or deliver baby food.'

“I’ve been quite stunned by the levels of poverty over the last eight months. I’ve been shocked by the fact that it’s people who in the past would not be expected to be living in poverty. People who have had good jobs but then had their job taken away but still have the bills to pay and all of their commitments in life.

Foundation Christmas Appeal Spotlight: Spirit Aid