The Celtic FC Foundation’s Annual Celtic Park Sleep Out has earned an impressive £40k through donations. The charitable wing of the club invited fundraisers the chance to sleep trackside at Celtic Park from 10pm to 6am in aid of the Foundation’s Christmas appeal.
On the club’s official website, the Foundation praised the sum raised as well as the participants.
“The atmosphere was tremendous, as supporters arrived at the stadium at 9.00pm with their sleeping bags and supplies in hand. Following the welcome and briefing section of the night, Dermot Hill of The Invisibles, spoke to the group about the difficulties faced by those who are living on the streets night after night.”
“With temperatures reaching a low of 0 degrees Celcius through the night, Dermot Hill’s words were very much still in the minds of participants, as they knew the difficult conditions could never be compared to the horrendous challenges faced by those who are living on the streets every night of the year.”
The statement also confirmed that The Invisibles Charity, which aims to end homelessness, would be a beneficiary of the funds raised during the charity appeal.
Midway through the night, ex-Celtic trio Jackie McNamara, Simon Donnelly and Chris Sutton appeared to give some words of support to those that were trying to get comfortable on the side of the pitch.
The Foundation continued by discussing how they aimed to use the cash raised to bring the spirit of Christmas to families facing poverty, the elderly, homeless and refugees.
“Through the Appeal we want to help hundreds of local families facing poverty, by giving them the kind of Christmas we all take for granted.
“We also want to support pensioners on our doorstep and help out local charities. We can make a massive difference to the lives of children, the homeless, refugees and those living in refuge or facing other challenges.”
It is the fifth consecutive year that the Foundation have held the sleep out and it will be replicated in London on November 30th.
Well done to everyone that braved the cold, truly a club like no other.
