Ukrainians who fled to Scotland following the Russian invasion at the start of the year have been honoured with a special Christmas party at Celtic Park.
The club's charitable foundation put on a festive spread to round off a year of supporting refugees of the conflict who now call Glasgow their home. Parents and kids who were invited to the event at Parkhead were greeted with music, games and visits from Celtic stars, mascot Hoopy and, of course, Santa himself.
Club captain Callum McGregor and B-Team players Ewan Otoo and Mitchell Robertson dropped by to visit the families as they enjoyed the festivities. Over the course of 2022, the foundation has supported Ukrainians in Glasgow with their mental health, physical wellbeing and social integration, as they come to terms with their living situation.
Callum McGregor said: “I was delighted to meet the kids and families at Celtic Park today. Clearly they have been through so much in recent months and I know that Celtic FC Foundation has been here for them, welcoming them to the city and doing what we can to assist in any way.
"We send our sincere best wishes at Christmas to all those who continue to experience such a difficult period.”
Financial support for those activities has come from the European Club Association's Ukraine Relief Committee and the UEFA Foundation for Children, in recognition of the difficult conditions faced by Ukrainian families. Tony Hamilton, chief executive of the Celtic FC Foundation, added that giving Ukrainians food, clothing and shelter was "completely in line" with the club's values.
He continued: "We have been pleased to be in a position to do that in connection with the Scottish Refugee Council across a number of refugee crises and also to build on this by delivering our own project at Celtic Park for those Ukrainian people in the city who need further support.
“We’re delighted to be able to welcome our guests to the stadium today and to try and provide a bit of light, in what has been such a difficult period for so many. It’s important we play a small part and recognise the importance of events like these that help bring comfort and support to those displaced in our local communities.
"Our sincere thanks to everyone who has contributed to the work that we’re doing as we seek to make a positive difference to the lives of so many who face such huge challenges."
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