Thanks to your continued generosity during this year’s Christmas Appeal, Celtic FC Foundation were delighted to welcome around 120 special guests from the local homeless community, supported by Simon Community Scotland, to Celtic Park for a festive afternoon of food, entertainment and companionship.

The event took place in the Kerrydale Suite, where guests enjoyed a traditional festive carvery lunch, a raffle and the chance to spend time together in warm and welcoming surroundings during the Christmas period.

Founded in 1966, Simon Community Scotland continues to work tirelessly to address the causes and effects of homelessness, providing vital information, advice, care, support, accommodation and homes for people experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness.

Guests were also joined on the day by Celtic legends Tom Boyd and Tosh McKinlay, alongside Celtic FC Women’s players Claire Walsh and Sienna McGoldrick. Together, they spent time meeting guests, chatting at tables and helping to distribute free prize draw raffle tickets, before a special visit from Santa Claus, who ensured every attendee received a festive gift.

Simon Community Scotland staff and volunteers were also in attendance, supporting guests throughout the afternoon and helping to create a relaxed and inclusive atmosphere.

Speaking about the event, Claire Walsh reflected on attending events such as the lunch, saying: “I think it’s really important for us as players to come to events like this, to be involved in the community and to see what the club is all about, as well as the incredible work that the Foundation does.

“It’s massively important, especially at this time of year. Celtic is built on foundations of giving back and that’s a huge part of the values of the entire club – from the Foundation to the Women’s team and everyone else involved.”

Lorraine McGrath, CEO of Simon Community Scotland, added: “Celtic FC Foundation support Simon Community Scotland every year. They offer people experiencing homelessness the opportunity to come together and enjoy the kind of Christmas celebration that many of us take for granted.

“To spend time in a beautiful environment, with amazing food, and simply enjoy a couple of hours celebrating Christmas together is incredibly special.

“The Foundation’s support throughout the year, but particularly at Christmas, is absolutely critical. It sends a powerful message to the people we support that they matter, that their happiness and enjoyment are just as important as anyone else’s. It also gives us opportunities and resources that we simply wouldn’t have otherwise.”

Celtic FC Foundation and Simon Community Scotland have worked closely for more than two decades, particularly during the festive period and events like this remain a cornerstone of that long-standing partnership - bringing warmth, dignity and festive cheer to those who need it most.

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

Our Christmas Appeal will touch thousands of lives this festive period and we continue to ask you, the completely unique and unsurpassable Celtic support, to stand with us and help make a positive difference for those who need it most.

This is a reminder of the phenomenal difference you made through the 2024 Appeal HERE

You can also get behind this year’s Christmas Appeal in the following ways:

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
Provide support through your Christmas shopping in Celtic stores or online by purchasing an item from ‘Walfrid’s Wishlist’ HERE
Purchase our Celtic FC Foundation Scarf HERE
Provide support through your Christmas shopping via Give as you Live HERE
Make a donation at check out when purchasing retail items or tickets online HERE and HERE
Make a donation and hang an item on our Virtual Christmas Tree HERE
Enter our Christmas Appeal Prize Draw HERE

Thank you so much for your incredible compassion and generosity, as always – it will help us to continue the mission of Celtic.

Together we can share the Spirit of Christmas.

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

Celtic FC Foundation host Festive Lunch for Simon Community Scotland guests at Celtic Park