Thanks to the incredible support displayed during this year’s Christmas Appeal, Celtic FC Foundation welcomed around 200 special guests from the local homeless community – who use the services of Simon Community Scotland - for a wonderful festive carvery lunch, raffle and a visit from Santa Claus, in Celtic Park’s Kerrydale suite this afternoon.

Simon Community Scotland was launched in 1966 and has continued to work to combat the causes and effects of homelessness since then. The organisation provides information, advice, care, support, accommodation, and homes for those experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness.

Former Celts Tom Boyd and Tosh McKinlay were in attendance and we were also joined by members of the Celtic Men’s team - Stephen Welsh and David Turnbull.

They met guests and helped distribute tickets for this Saturday’s cinch Premiership match against Livingston to a number of lucky winners, with Celtics Women’s team players - Kelly Clark and Kit Loferski – who were also on hand to help give out free prize draw items before a visit from Santa Claus who provided a gift for each and every attendee.

Our visitors were also joined by Simon Community Scotland staff and volunteers, alongside the Celtic FC Foundation team.

Following a welcome from Celtic FC Foundation Chief Executive, Tony Hamilton, Lorraine McGrath CEO of Simon Community Scotland thanked guests for coming along and the Foundation for our support.

Celtic FC Foundation and Simon Community Scotland have worked closely for more 20 years, particularly during the festive period.

Tony Hamilton spoke following the event, saying: “The lunch is always a wonderful occasion and it will forever be a privilege for me to welcome our guests from Simon Community Scotland to Celtic Park.

“Special days like this just wouldn’t be possible without the incredible and continued backing of our supporters, particularly against a backdrop of such difficult and challenging times.

“Thank you for your magnificent support of the Christmas Appeal and the difference you have made to countless people throughout this year. You never fail to inspire us.”

Murray Easton of Simon Community Scotland added: "The Christmas lunch that Celtic FC Foundation puts on for people experiencing homelessness that Simon Community Scotland is supporting is a real highlight of the year.

Thank you so much to all the team at Celtic FC Foundation and to all the Celtic supporters worldwide who make events like this happen. You make such a difference every single year.

Having experienced the lunch last year, I can safely say that it was talked about for weeks afterwards. It really put a smile on people’s faces and was hugely appreciated by all.

Our current appeal is around safe places and support for people experiencing homelessness. Celtic FC Foundation provided that today and they display soul and care in everything they do. Thank you so much for all your help and support."

To hear more about Simon Community Scotland or the other organisations benefitting through this year’s Appeal, please visit the Christmas Appeal webpage HERE.

Our 2023 Christmas Appeal aims to bring comfort and light up the lives of many who would otherwise struggle over the festive period.

This includes local families facing poverty, so they can enjoy the type of Christmas that many of us take for granted.

As well as pensioners, women and children in refuge, the homeless community and refugees and a host of others experiencing hardship.

Together, we can Light Up Someone’s Christmas this festive season.

There’s still time to behind this year’s Christmas Appeal and you can:

Donate online HERE
Donate via PayPal HERE
Donate via Facebook HERE
Donate by text – text ‘CELTIC’ followed by ‘£1’, ‘£5’ or ‘£10’ to 70085*
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
Make a donation and hang an item on our Virtual Christmas Tree HERE
Provide support through your Christmas shopping in Celtic stores or online by purchasing an item from ‘Walfrid’s Wishlist’ HERE
Purchase our brand new Foundation T-shirt HERE
Provide support through your Christmas shopping via Give as you Live HERE
Enter our Christmas Appeal Prize Draw, which closes at 12 noon on Wednesday, December 20 HERE

Thank you for your magnificent support.

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

Celtic FC Foundation welcome Simon Community Scotland to Celtic Park for Festive Lunch