As Celtic FC Foundation’s Christmas Appeal phase of the Football for Good Fund (FFGF) draws closer to its conclusion, today our spotlight series continues with an in-depth look at two organisations carrying out vital work with those seeking refuge in Scotland - Scottish Refugee Council (SRC) and Refugee Survival Trust (RST).

Based in Glasgow’s city centre, SRC is a leading, independent national human rights charity supporting refugees across Scotland since 1985. Working with families and individuals to protect their rights and support integration and inclusion, SRC aims to help those who have fled war, conflict or abuse of human rights, to rebuild their lives in safety.

The journey taken by many of those supported by SRC is rarely an easy one and the struggle does not always end on their arrival in the UK. Refugee families living in Scotland continue to face many challenges. They live in severe poverty and isolation, in addition to the ongoing hostile policy environment, which has been worsened by the pandemic.

CEO of SRC, Sabir Zazai said: “Celtic FC Foundation supported our work with families last Christmas, enabling us to provide toys and food vouchers to the most vulnerable we work with. This assistance helped us to source and distribute hundreds of phones and tablets and help grassroots organisations across Scotland to assist their neighbours and communities during the pandemic.

Sabir continued: “Scotland has demonstrated time and time again its commitment to solidarity and sanctuary for refugees seeking protection. We will keep fighting for refugee rights and against hostile environment policies. And with the help of donations from partners such as Celtic FC Foundation, we will work together to make Scotland a welcoming place for everyone.”

Today’s second beneficiary, RST was set up in 1996, by a group of people who felt deeply concerned by the destitution facing refugees and those seeking safety in Scotland, as a result of the current system of asylum. RST’s work has become an essential support in the lives of those who have been forcibly displaced.

RST provides refugees and asylum seekers living in Scotland with practical support when they most need it. It provides emergency cash grants, help with travel costs and assistance to cover the cost of fees and equipment for those entering adult education or looking for work. RST also provides temporary accommodation to people in the asylum process who become homeless.

Heather Alari, Fundraiser with RST said: “This year, RST has supported many individuals and families. Support provided included assistance for a young father who had found himself homeless, with temporary accommodation in Glasgow, money for food shopping and a bus pass to allow him to visit his baby daughter. These things are essential and could not be done without help from organisations like Celtic FC Foundation.”

Heather’s client has recently moved back into Home Office accommodation but looked upon the work done by RST as a lifeline. He said: “I want to take this opportunity to thank you so much for all the assistance your organisation rendered to me during my stay at your accommodation. You came to my aid when I needed it the most. Just saying thank you is not enough, as I very much appreciate every assistance you gave.”

Through your generosity, SRC and RST can continue to make a difference in the lives of those who have, like this man, sought refuge in Scotland in the hope of a place of safety.

Your support helps to carry on the ethos of Celtic Football Club, founded to help feed those less fortunate, many of whom were themselves refugees.

Scottish Refugee Council and Refugee Survival Trust are the latest Appeal beneficiaries to be confirmed, joining Glasgow Women’s Aid, Glasgow East Women’s Aid, The Wayside Club, Refuweegee, Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity, The Cardinal Hume Centre, Borderline, Bow Foodbank, St Anne’s Primary School, St Anne’s Church, Loaves and Fishes, Spirit Aid, the Salvation Army, Safe in Scotland, Glasgow City Mission, PEEK, St Roch’s FC Foundation, The Invisibles, Woman’s Aid in Dublin and Women’s Aid Belfast and Lisburn.

Through the Appeal we want to give hundreds of families in our communities the Christmas they deserve, making sure there’s food on the table and gifts under the tree.

We also wish to help pensioners, women and children in refuge, the homeless community and refugees – as well as a whole host of others facing poverty and hardship.

Charity, and the generosity and compassion of the Celtic Family, will always be our past, present and future – it’s our heritage, our responsibility, our lifeblood.

Please join Celtic FC Foundation in making a difference this Christmas – it’s our reason for being.

The key ways to get behind the Christmas Appeal 2021, include:

Donate by text – text ‘CELTIC’ followed by ‘£1’, ‘£5’ or ‘£10’ to 70085*
Donate online HERE
Donate via PayPal HERE
Donate via Facebook HERE
Donate in Cash – there are collection boxes located in all Celtic Stores
Donate by Cheque – payable to ‘Celtic FC Foundation’ and sent to Celtic FC Foundation, Celtic Park, Glasgow G40 3RE.
Provide support through your Christmas shopping via Give as you Live and AmazonSmile HERE
Purchase our brand new Foundation T-shirt HERE
Download Eddi Reader’s unique version of ‘Auld Lang Syne’, featured in this year’s Celtic Christmas advert HERE
Enter our new Christmas Appeal Prize Draw HERE

Thank you for your magnificent support.

*Texts will cost the donation amount, plus one standard rate message.

Foundation Christmas Appeal Spotlight – Scottish Refugee Council and Refugee Survival Trust