Celtic FC Foundation reflects on an extraordinary 2024 | OneFootball

Thanks to your remarkable support, 2024 has been another record-breaking year for Celtic Football Club and Celtic FC Foundation.

The achievements on and off the pitch have been truly unprecedented, and as we approach the end of this remarkable year, it’s a fitting time to look back at the Foundation’s magnificent seven highlights of 2024:

RECORD-BREAKING CHRISTMAS APPEAL

Announced just this past week, the Foundation achieved a monumental milestone as our Christmas Appeal raised and distributed an incredible £412,000 – our highest total to date.

This record-breaking total comes despite many supporters facing their own financial challenges, and it has been truly humbling to see the Celtic family selflessly step up, as they always do, to help others.

These vital funds have provided food, gifts, and support to those most in need, ensuring they could experience the magic of Christmas during difficult times. Your selfless contributions have been nothing short of inspirational.

FOUNDATION HUB OPENS

This year marked the opening of our newly refurbished Hub at Celtic Park, creating a safe and welcoming space designed to better serve the community.

The facility includes three training rooms, a kitchen area, and the Paradise Room—a private therapy space for safeguarding and one-to-one counselling, complete with a state-of-the-art massage chair for relaxation.

The new layout enables the Foundation to deliver multiple projects simultaneously, significantly increasing its capacity to tackle poverty, inequality, and social exclusion.

CHARITY MATCHES

In 2024, Celtic Park hosted its first charity match since 2018, as over 30,000 supporters braved the rain to enjoy an afternoon of football fun.

The Celtic Legends team triumphed over Borussia Dortmund Legends 4-2, just a day after the Men’s first team clinched the Scottish Cup. Thanks to the amazing backing of the Celtic support, a magnificent net total in excess of £200,000 was raised.

In September, our Legends side travelled south for a thrilling match at Old Trafford. After a dramatic 1-1 draw, the Hoops emerged victorious with a 5-4 penalty shootout win against Manchester United Legends.

PARADISE PIT STOP

The Foundation continued to expand Paradise Pit Stop in 2024, with the project now open four days a week.

And once again, we opened our doors for a very special Christmas Day Paradise Pit Stop, welcoming 300 guests for a three-course Christmas dinner, entertainment, and essential support services.

This initiative aimed to spread festive cheer and make a meaningful difference to the lives of vulnerable individuals and families in Glasgow.

OVERSEAS FUNDRAISING INITIATIVES

In 2024, Celtic FC Foundation supporters took on three remarkable global challenges, raising significant funds and leaving a lasting legacy.

In February, participants, including former Celts Tom Boyd and Simon Donnelly, completed the inaugural Sahara Desert Trek, raising over £37,000.

Later, a group of 10 volunteers travelled to Blantyre, Malawi, partnering with Classrooms for Malawi to renovate Masalani Community Day Secondary School, significantly enhancing educational opportunities for future generations.

In October, supporters, joined by former Celts Peter Grant and Neil Lennon, completed the 116km Camino de Santiago Trek in northern Spain.

Their efforts raised £40,000, culminating in a heartfelt rendition of "You’ll Never Walk Alone" upon reaching Santiago de Compostela—a moment they will treasure forever.

GALA DINNERS

2024 has been another record-breaking year for the Foundation’s Gala Dinners in Glasgow, London, New York, and for the first time, Notre Dame.

The Sporting Dinner in Glasgow kicked off the year with an astonishing £120,000 raised, thanks to the generous support of fans and sponsors.

In March, the New York Gala returned to the stunning Cipriani 25 Broadway, where around 350 guests collectively raised an incredible $355,000.

In July, the Foundation hosted a special fundraising event at the iconic Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, Indiana, on the eve of Celtic’s pre-season match against Chelsea.

Finally, the London Gala Dinner closed the year in style, raising £420,000 at the stunning Four Seasons Hotel London at Tower Bridge.

CELTIC SUPPORTERS

Above all, the success of 2024 would not have been possible without the unwavering dedication and generosity of the Celtic family.

From bucket collections to online auctions, gala dinners to individual fundraisers, the Celtic supporters’ passion for giving back has been extraordinary.

Together, you’ve helped make 2024 one of the most impactful years in the Foundation’s history.

Thank you – and onwards to 2025!