As we continue our Christmas Appeal spotlight series, today we turn our attention to another of our charity beneficiaries, Elpis Centre.

Based in the Ruchill area of Glasgow, Elpis Centre provides accommodation for young women, aged between 16 to 25 years-old, who have found themselves facing homelessness or other disadvantage.

Elpis Centre’s main facility, which can host up to nine service users at any one time, is manned 24-hours a day, all year round, by professionally qualified and fully vetted staff.

While support from the Foundation in the past has provided the opportunity for the young women to socialise and enjoy day trips, the COVID-19 pandemic has brought its own challenges for the organisation, as they have had to ensure that periods of isolation have not had a detrimental effect on physical and mental wellbeing.

Mary Carrick of Elpis Centre spoke of the importance of the Foundation’s support in the past, saying: “Most of the young women we work with come from a range of backgrounds and may not have had the same experiences as their peers. Elpis Centre have tried over the years to ensure that the young women are given the opportunity then to engage in new opportunities during their time with us.

'The support from Celtic FC Foundation in the past has allowed us to do so much. We have been able to provide the young women with warm winter clothing and also top up their fuel meters during the winter months.'

“Socialising is such a vital part of their lives and the funds have also allowed us to arrange trips to the seaside, attend local events in the community, cinema trips, eating out and a visit to Blair Drummond Safari Park, to name but a few. Elpis would not have been able to facilitate these trips had it not been for the very kind donations from Celtic FC Foundation.

“You have given the young women a chance to explore and develop emotionally and to reach a level of maturity that will set them in good stead, as they continue in the next part of their journey through life.

“The last eight months have been a huge challenge to both Elpis Centre and our young women. The biggest challenge for us at the moment is trying to keep our young women safe but also ensure that they do not feel alone and isolated. Our staff have regular contact and speak to them daily, checking in on how they are doing and ensuring that they receive the support they need during these difficult times.

'I would like to take this opportunity to thank Celtic FC Foundation and all of their supporters who have generously donated to the Christmas Appeal. Through your support, you have enhanced the lives of the young women who have passed through Elpis Centre, over a number of years. A big thank you to all.'

Through our Appeal we want to help hundreds of local families, giving them the kind of Christmas most of us take for granted. With lots of food on the table and gifts for the kids. Making sure Santa pays a visit on Christmas Eve, despite COVID-19.

We also want to support pensioners on our doorstep, by lending a hand at a difficult time of year. Local charities need our help too. We can make a massive difference to the lives of children, refugees, the homeless and those living in refuge.

Further details on the Christmas Appeal phase of the Football for Good Fund and how you can get involved, can be found HERE

The generosity and compassion of the Celtic Family is truly unique and unrivalled and we thank you for your magnificent support.

Foundation Christmas Appeal spotlight: Elpis Centre