Celtic FC have raised more than £400,000 for their 2024 Christmas Appeal. The club’s charity wing have hailed their most successful festive campaign to date after setting help people hit hard by the cost of living crisis.
The Celtic FC Foundation revealed they raised and distributed a whopping £412,000 to causes – including homeless, refugee and women’s aid charities. The funds raised helped a total of 1,068 families who are facing poverty and hardship over Christmas.
The charity also helped 938 vulnerable pensioners and other individuals across Glasgow and the West and Edinburgh, by providing them with Christmas vouchers and meals. A total of 725 children in Glasgow were also helped, with 400 of those provided with brand new toys and gifts.
The charity hosted events at the Parkhead ground. With 205 kids partying at the iconic stadium for a P5 Christmas bash. Around 120 homeless residents from the Simon Community Scotland were also fed in the Kerrydale Suite.
And on Christmas Day they will host 350 guests at the stadium for a three-course Christmas dinner, entertainment and a visit from Santa. Their appeal not only supported grassroots work in Glasgow but also across the UK and Ireland and even reached the Canadian capital of Ottawa.
Tony Hamilton, Celtic FC Foundation Chief Executive, said: “To come together and be able to exceed £400,000 for the first time is a credit to everyone who supported this year’s Appeal, and once again demonstrates the uniqueness of this Football Club. Making such a meaningful difference to so many people in our communities never happens by chance.
“A heartfelt thanks must go to the Celtic supporters across the world, our partners, private donors, sponsors and funders – many of whom have various priorities – for collectively making the 2024 Appeal such a success. Thank you also to all of our Club and Foundation colleagues for finding space and energy to contribute to this, at a time when there are so many demands for resource.
“Many children, families and vulnerable people will now benefit from Celtic FC Foundation’s annual Appeal, and I hope that everyone has a very happy Christmas and a safe and prosperous 2025.”
The charity’s “Make Christmas Magic” campaign was backed by the club with Brendan Rodger’s stars and women’s team taking part in events as captain Callum McGregor and Daizen Maeda unveiled the charity total on Monday. Last week Paolo Bernardo joined in the Christmas Party for primary school pupils at Celtic Park and brought along the Premier Sports Cup trophy.
Celtic FC Chief Executive, Michael Nicholson, added: “We’re absolutely delighted that another record amount has been raised and distributed through Celtic FC Foundation’s Christmas Appeal. The Appeal reflects the true essence of why this Club was formed 137 years ago and we are extremely proud that the Foundation’s work continues to be at the forefront of what we do here.
“It is wonderful to see such an incredible amount raised and the impact of this will be far reaching within our communities, for those who need our help most this Christmas. On behalf of the Club, I would like to thank all those involved and to everyone who has contributed – all of our supporters, colleagues, Foundation and Club staff, Football Management and players.
“Thank you for your magnificent support and all the very best to you and your families this Christmas.”
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