Appreciating the transformative work of the Celtic FC Foundation

In partnership with

The Celtic Star

·25 novembre 2025

Appreciating the transformative work of the Celtic FC Foundation

In a season where AGM fallouts, supporter bans and off-pitch noise have dominated the conversation, it would be all too easy to overlook the transformative work of the Celtic FC Foundation…

Yet now, more than ever, its impact deserves to be front and centre.

The Foundation continues to shine a light into the lives of those who need it most, people in our communities and within the Celtic support who are navigating grief, loneliness, unemployment, health challenges and the hidden struggles that so often go unnoticed.

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This Christmas, the Foundation is using its platform not for festive cheer alone but to highlight the stories of three individuals whose lives have been touched—and, in some cases, saved—by Foundation projects.

The first was Frances.

Frances reached out to Celtic FC Foundation earlier this year after a decade of heartbreak following her sister’s death by suicide. She had battled loneliness, trauma, and despair, including a suicide attempt of her own. But with encouragement from friends, she took a courageous first step and walked through the doors of Paradise Pit Stop, a safe and welcoming place where a warm meal, a warm smile and a warm community are offered—no questions asked.

She was nervous. She expected to feel out of place. Instead, she found something she’d been missing for years, belonging.

“I remember everyone smiling, saying ‘hi’. It was just so nice. It was a beautiful experience for my headspace at that particular time.”

From that moment, Frances became involved with the Gateway to Health & Opportunity project, a programme designed to rebuild confidence, support wellbeing and provide real pathways forward. It did more than help her regain her footing, she rediscovered herself.

Now, she’s not only thriving but pouring her energy into helping others. Her transformation is profound.

“I tried for 12 years, and I found that place in March. There’s a place called Paradise. 100% saved my life.”

But these sessions aren’t only for those living with dementia. They are equally a refuge for the carers who devote their time, energy and hearts to supporting a loved one. For Ellen, the friendships formed with other women became an emotional anchor.

Even after Andy sadly passed, she continues to attend.

“The women support each other. They can talk about how good or bad a week they’ve had. For the women, that’s a godsend.”

It’s a reminder that the Foundation’s work doesn’t end at the final whistle of each session. These are communities that last a lifetime.

For many, Christmas is a season of warmth and joy. But for countless others, it magnifies loneliness, financial strain and emotional hardship. For the last decade, Celtic’s Christmas films have focused on festive magic—but this year, the club has chosen to highlight the reality facing many, and the support available through the Foundation.

Celtic was founded with purpose, to alleviate poverty in the East End of Glasgow and put food on tables for the vulnerable. That mission hasn’t faded with time. If anything, its reach has only expanded.

This Christmas campaign hopes to deliver more than awareness—it aims to offer hope, a reminder that help is available, and that no one in the Celtic family should face difficult times alone.

Here are some of those projects changing lives every week –

Lions’ Lunch Breaks

Launched in 2017 as part of the #LionsLegacy campaign, these twice-weekly sessions at Celtic Park support people living with dementia and their carers. Activities are tailored, uplifting and meaningful, helping participants reconnect with themselves and with others. The sessions offer: stimulation through music, games, and crafts, much-needed respite for carers, friendship, structure, and emotional support.

Many participants experience improved mood, motivation and confidence simply by being in the inspiring setting of Paradise.

Gateway to Health & Opportunity

A free 10-week programme for adults who are unemployed or disconnected from their communities. It includes, mental health and wellbeing sessions, physical activities, healthy lifestyle workshops, one-to-one support and volunteering opportunities, life-saving CPR training, pathways towards employment, education or training

The project ends with a celebration of personal achievements—many of which mark life-changing turning points.

Paradise Pit Stop

A safe, warm environment at Celtic Park offering, a two-course meal, a welcoming community, support and conversation, dignity, comfort and consistency

It is a refuge for many across the city—and for people like Frances, it can be nothing short of life-saving.

In a period where attention can be easily diverted by controversy, it’s vital to remember that Celtic’s heart has always been rooted in community, compassion and purpose. The Celtic FC Foundation embodies that founding spirit every day, quietly, steadily, and profoundly.

Its projects don’t grab the headlines, but they change lives. They rebuild confidence. They save people in their darkest moments. They remind us what this club truly stands for.

As Celtic continues to highlight these stories this Christmas, one message rings loudest.

If you need help, support is there. If you know someone who might need it, encourage them to take that first step.

Email: cfcfoundation@celticfc.co.uk Phone: 0141 551 4321

Because for so many, like Frances and Ellen, that first step is the beginning of something powerful—hope, connection and the feeling that they are not alone.