From our very foundation in November 1887, charity has been at the beating heart of Celtic Football Club.
Now, some 135 years later Celtic FC Foundation continue to honour the legacy of founding father Brother Walfrid by creating opportunities and much needed support for some of the most vulnerable groups in our society.
We’re now approaching 10 years since the Foundation was launched in October 2013. In that time thousands of individuals across Scotland, Ireland and much further afield have benefited immeasurably from the great work that the Foundation continue to do.
Whilst the Foundation have a number of key partners and sponsors who play a significant part in allowing them to deliver their numerous initiatives and projects, none of it would be possible without the unwavering commitment and incredible generosity of Celtic supporters across the globe.
GOING THE EXTRA MILE(S) FOR CELTIC FC FOUNDATION
Matt Corr is one such supporter who’s provided notable support in recent years and he’ll be pulling his trainers on one last time this month to run the 26.2 miles of the Boston Marathon, all in aid of Celtic FC Foundation.
This will be Matt’s seventh marathon overall and his third in aid of the Foundation, having already completed the New York (2018) and Tokyo (2019) marathons – running each in the famous green & white hoops of course.
Matt will already be a familiar face to many amongst the Celtic family for a couple of reasons.
Firstly, he’s the author of a number of Celtic books that you may have picked up in recent years, including ‘Invincible’, ‘Harry Hood: Twice As Good’ 1and ‘Walfrid & The Bould Bhoys’.
In addition he’s part of the excellent team of Tour Guides who can be seen at Celtic Park on a regular basis. A role in which he takes immense pride.
“You meet some incredible folk! From babies in the pram, to folk in their 90s, just the most incredible characters. They all want to share their stories with you.
It’s the most emotional, fun…. it’s hard work, but my goodness it probably doesn’t feel like work half the time.
It’s an incredible experience.”
Matt On A Recent Tour With Ex Celt Peter Goldie
Whether on the tours or now in his writing, Matt devotes a huge amount of his time towards telling stories of Celtic’s rich and fabled history. Something he feels extremely privileged to do.
“Celtic is an incredible story. It’s totally unique.
The circumstances in which it was formed after An Gorta Mor. Using football as a vehicle to help people that were in dire straits all those years ago, and still doing it now. It’s unique.
It’s a story that deserves to be shared, and I take an awful lot of pride as you can probably tell in sharing that day in, day out.”
An Gorta Mor (The Great Hunger) Statue At St Mary’s Church in Glasgow’s East End
FOOTBALL FOR GOOD
Over the last few years the pandemic has impacted so many charitable initiatives in so many ways, and Celtic FC Foundation was no different.
Thankfully however the wide range of programmes that they offer, catering for those most in need here in Scotland as well as further afield, are almost all now completely back up and running.
Their “Football For Good” mantra isn’t just a line. It’s something the Foundation live and breathe.
From young people with Down’s Syndrome or Autism (through the award winning Ability Counts programme) to those with Dementia (Dementia Care Lunch Breaks), Sensory Disorders (The Lions’ View Sensory Room) or those feeling the strain of the cost of living crisis (Paradise Pit Stop) – the scale of programmes the Foundation offer is truly breath-taking, and has such a positive impact on so many people’s lives.
Celtic FC Foundation – Ability Counts Programme
THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN
For some of his previous marathons Matt has run for Marie Curie, another charity which remains close to his heart, however with Boston now fast approaching he’s delighted to once again be running in aid of the club’s official charity partner.
“I think the Foundation and the work they do is what makes us unique as a club.
I don’t think anyone else touches that. It makes me very, very proud.”
Matt is hopeful that Boston will complete what he’s referring to as a “Magnificent(ish) Seven” marathons and we’d like to wish him the very best of luck in his latest venture for the Foundation, which is now just under two weeks away!
He claims this one will be his last. We’ll see about that.
We had the pleasure of speaking with Matt and Celtic FC Foundation CEO Tony Hamilton last week at The Celtic Exchange to discuss Matt’s challenge as well as some of the incredible work that the Foundation have done over almost 10 years now.
You can enjoy the episode in full on all the usual podcast platforms, at The Celtic Exchange website, or on the player below.
