Celtic FC Foundation is today highlighting Challenge Poverty Week, seven days from October 2-8 where organisations showcase the work being done to tackle poverty across the country.

Celtic Football Club was founded in 1888 as a means of raising funds to provide food for the poor and hungry of Glasgow’s East End – and in present day, tackling poverty remains a core aim for the club’s charitable arm, Celtic FC Foundation.

In support of Challenge Poverty Week 2023, here are a few ways that Celtic FC Foundation is striving to help address poverty:

Paradise Pit Stop

Through Paradise Pit Stop, our doors at Celtic Park open every Monday and Thursday night between 5pm-7pm for anyone who may wish to join us, with a free warm meal and a selection of hot and soft drinks available to enjoy in the comfort of our lounge. Plans for extended sessions will be announced soon.

CashBack: Gateway to Opportunity

Delivered by Celtic FC Foundation and funded by the Scottish Government, CashBack: Gateway to Opportunity takes place at Celtic Park across blocks of 10 weeks, and includes a host of interactive employability and personal development workshops encompassing individual and group activity.

Islamic Relief UK partnership

The Foundation has enjoyed a close relationship with Islamic Relief UK, as the two organisations have worked together for the past three years to pack and distribute thousands of emergency food packs for vulnerable individuals and families across Scotland.

Annual Christmas Appeal

Taking place annually between early November and late December, Celtic FC Foundation's Christmas Appeal sees a series of major fundraising events in aid of the poorest and most vulnerable families in various communities in the UK and Ireland.

Community Games

Taking place in London, Ireland and Glasgow, Community Games is a free of charge initiative designed to give young people from the local area an opportunity to take part in fun activities when parents and carers need to find affordable options for entertainment.

Gateway to Health and Opportunity

Celtic FC Foundation's Gateway to Health and Opportunity is a 10-week health and wellbeing project that helps people reach their full potential and experience better outcomes, including training, volunteering and meaningful employment.

Speaking on Challenge Poverty Week, Celtic FC Foundation Chief Executive, Tony Hamilton said: “The Foundation is able to deliver many initiatives within our communities because of the financial backing we get from various sources.

“We are very grateful for that support, but there is so much more to do and it’s likely that we’ll be living with higher costs for some considerable time.

“We would encourage those living in poverty to have a look at what options might be right for them through Celtic FC Foundation’s social media channels and website.”

Celtic FC Foundation supporting Challenge Poverty Week