Through Celtic FC Foundation’s annual Christmas Appeal, we have been encouraging you to ‘Make Christmas Magic’ this festive season, for those who need our support. Today, we continue our focus on the organisations who’ll benefit from the Appeal, as we turn our attention towards those providing assistance to individuals and families who have come to the UK to seek refuge. The winter period can be a particularly challenging time of year for those arriving in a new country and organisations such as Refugee Sanctuary Scotland, Safe in Scotland and Scottish Refugee Council play a vital role in ensuring that those seeking refuge feel welcome and supported, during their darkest of times. Another wonderful organisation that assists refugees arriving in Glasgow is Refuweegee, who have received support through the Foundation’s Appeal over a number of years. Celtic Captain, Callum McGregor and winger James Forrest recently joined Celtic FC Foundation, as we paid a visit to Refuweegee, to hear more about the fantastic work they do and meet some of their volunteers, each of whom have found refuge in Glasgow.Speaking during the visit, Selena Hales of Refuweegee said: “Here at Refuweegee, we provide critical support with food, toiletries, household items, clothing and footwear. “We always prioritise the support from Celtic FC Foundation for those who are living on the lowest budget and in the most difficult accommodation. In Glasgow, there are hundreds, if not thousands of people living in hotel accommodation, on a budget of just £8.86 per week. “It’s lovely to have Callum and James with us and for them to get involved in the work that our volunteers do, learn about what we do here at Refuweegee and understand the difference that Celtic FC Foundation’s support will make. “Celtic fans have always been phenomenal to Refuweegee and we are eternally grateful for that.” Ekta Marwaha of Refugee Sanctuary Scotland also spoke to the harsh reality for so many refugees arriving in Scotland, saying: “The winter period is an extremely difficult time for those we assist in the asylum system, as individuals receive small amounts of support, with many not permitted to work in the UK and not able to access statutory support. “The families and individuals that we will help are struggling to afford food, appropriate winter clothing, daily essentials and public transport costs. This abject poverty puts them at high risk, which overall has a significant negative impact on them. “Thanks to the support from Celtic FC Foundation, we are able to buy vouchers which allow those who we work with to choose what they want and need. “As an organisation, we are very grateful to the contributors of this Appeal and would like to thank them for their generous donations in support of causes such as ours. Without this, we would be unable to provide some of the most destitute within our communities with the assistance they need.” Murray Easton of Safe in Scotland expressed his gratitude for the Foundation’s backing, saying: “Thank you so much to Celtic FC Foundation for your continued understanding and support of Safe in Scotland. “Safe in Scotland is the Simon Community’s specialist service for destitute asylum seekers and people with no recourse. It provides a safe place to stay for up to 26 people in flats in the community, now in both Edinburgh and Glasgow. “The people we support through Safe in Scotland display incredible patience and resilience and the support and recognition from Celtic FC Foundation goes a long way.” Esther Muchena of Scottish Refugee Council added: “We’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone supporting Celtic FC Foundation’s Christmas Appeal. Your kindness will make such a difference to families fleeing war and persecution. “Every child has the right to feel safe, warm and welcome. But thousands of refugees – including families with young children – are facing homelessness and extreme hardship this Christmas. “Many of the families we work with can’t afford warm clothes or hot meals for their children. Some are living out of suitcases in cramped hotel rooms, with no space for their kids to play, struggling to survive on less than £1.30 a day. “Your support is a light at the end of the tunnel. By showing families who have lost everything that you care, you can help them pick up the pieces and begin rebuilding their lives in Scotland.” You can also
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