After last week’s Celtic Foundation bucket collection at Celtic Park, my 12-year-old, who was collecting, was amazed that someone put a £20 note in his bucket. He wanted to know why people do things like that.
There are lots of possible reasons. It’s the right thing to do, there are many in our community who are need, and who we would happily help if they were standing beside us. A lot has to do with upbringing, not everyone believes fraternal help services the common good, but for some, it’s part of their core values. More precisely, it’s part of the values they acquired when they took to do with their football club.
In the early decades of Celtic Football Club, people literally ‘clubbed’ together to build the first, and then second, Celtic Park, mostly without pay. An informal collection of labourers dug foundations and shovelled earth to create bankings. Many got involved years after Walfrid left for pastures news, but the way in which the community claimed ownership of the club, without actually owning a share, of course, gave you and me an enormously privileged heritage.
We have a back narrative which most 21st century organisations could never dream of attaining.
I know that £20 is a lot of money to put into a bucket, but this year I’ve seen many people do this, and so much more, in the name of Celtic.
A year ago the CQN community told Mary’s Meals that we would build a school kitchen for them in Malawi. We booked the Kerrydale Suite for CQ10 and hoped we could sell more than 30 tickets. The night was sold-out and you raised over £23,000. Before the night was finished the two guys from Mary’s Meals knew they had enough money to build three school kitchens!
The money was soon put to action, all three kitchens were completed by May. Each day over 2000 primary-age children eat what is often their only meal of the day in a facility you paid for, prepared with utensils you bought.
The UN reckon Malawi is the 17th poorest country on the planet, but it is fertile for development work. 93% of the money raised by Mary’s Meals reaches the target communities. The kids being fed in CQN kitchens for the last 7 months are heavier and healthier than before. School attendance has increased by over 30%, so kids who previously had to labour for food are now getting an education instead.
They will have better life-choices as adults and more of them will be alive long enough to become adults.
The CQNers who started our charity activities nearly a decade ago are the golfers, they did so again in July, then there was the runners, the badge collectors and the many who were just touched by one story or another and stepped forward.
One of the reasons many of you should be proud of yourself is the Kano Foundation. Kano – Martin Kane – was one of the original CQNers, who got up in the middle of the night in Perth W. Australia to watch his team, and argue with his pals on here. When he suffered an enormously debilitating illness a community grew up around him, which became the Kano Foundation, and has since brought thousands of kids to see Celtic.
This week we learned Kano is seriously ill in hospital, so the seasonal cheer is tempered.
Whatever your memories of 2014 are, they will also be tempered by the challenges Wee Oscar and his family went through. I know there are people who made an enormous difference to his life who first read about him here. The stories of the work they put in will never be told, because that’s the way they want it, but they made a profound impact on the world.
2015 has a hard act to follow, but we’ve told Mary’s Meals we’ll build them another school kitchen, and we’ve just told Celtic to book the Kerrydale Suite for Friday 13th March for CQ11. It’s St Patrick’s weekend, it’s League Cup Final weekend and it’s the week of the 50th anniversary of Jock Stein taking over; it has the making of a memorable night…..
Why do people put £20 into a bucket, why do thousands give anonymously throughout the year, why do hundreds go above and beyond the call of duty? If you think Celtic is a football club, you’ve not been paying attention. It is the most powerful social movement most of us will ever become involved with.
It’s an absolute pleasure to be part of the family and humbling to see it in action.
Have a great Christmas, you deserve it.
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Lennybhoy, I’m back in the house, although just heading out to my Maws, my whifey has told me your plans
See you and Leftclicktic, join Doc as a shower of Roasters :-)
But Great CQN’rs to call Friends
John bhoy if lurking – thanks
Paul67, what a message to brighten up our Day, absolutely Brilliant
Can I add a huge thanks to All on CQN for helping fund 2 hugely deserving Kids and a life changing experience for them in visiting Lourdes at Easter with HCPT, hugely humbling
I will say again to all, posters, lurkers and your families
Have a Very Happy and Blessed Christmas one and all
Now away to wish my Auld Maw a happy birthday (ok Leftclicktic :-))
BBC Scotland TV news……………….. Ashley increased share rejected.
With a complete absence, or explanation of why
Thanks for the culinary tips bhoys; there will be jelly and ice cream for the weans but no succulent lamb- I’d choke on it..
LB all the best to you and the family HH
cowiebhoy
18:20 on 24 December, 2014
Give your Maw a big CQN hug from me. Your not a bad roaster herself.
A Happy and Holy Christmas to you and the gang.
Keep the Faith!
Hail Hail!
Cowiebhoy
Aye ,Enjoy ya roaster :))))
Shameless Repost
HappyAnniversary CSC
Good night all Till tomorrow if I get a chance .
Ps
Be grateful for every wee thing you have in your life
Hail Hail
So Ashley has been knocked back. He will still get his way by hook or by crook.He won’t do walking away .
Thanks Paul67 for this wonderful platform you have created.
In the last five or so years it has been a huge part of my Celtic life and for that I am very grateful.
I have attended games, played golf, had a meal or just got bevvied with loads of CQN’ers, everyone a true gentleman or lady. And each an experience I will not forget!
For that I am also very grateful.
I was born and brought up in the east end of Glasgow, Edmiston Street to begin with, (next to the old “Ran*ers end) although I don’t live there now.
My heart goes out to those who lost their lives in Glasgow this week and their families and friends, particularly poignant because my lovely wife knew one of the ladies who died.
Right now I am (just about) curled up in the bosom of my lovely family awaiting the joys of Christmas day.
A pleasure I know is, or will not be, available to a lot of people through no fault of their own.
Every morning I spend a moment or two in a quiet part of the house counting my blessings. Thanking God for what we’ve got. In the last couple of years I have had a serious health issue which God help me defeat. For that I am grateful too.
My dear old Mum died 25 years ago, so Christmas comes with mixed emotions, although I know she will be laughing and saying “get on with it son!”
I appreciate all that I have, a loving family, all healthy, all beautiful, all mine.
I always remember in my prayers all those on the Blog who are in need, wee Oscar, Jay, Marco, recently Gene posted about his sister in law.( apologies if I’ve missed anyone)
I read Paul67’s article today and it brought a rear to my eye.
I hope and wish that you all have a lovely Christmas and a wonderful new Year.
Thanks for everything and God bless.
NegAnon2
18:14 on
24 December, 2014
The raven. Yes indeed. I actually thought the quality of the bands was terrific and they didn’t just play the same songs. Some unusual wee numbers in there.
Met up with some old friends too.
All in all a fab night. Make sure you get a ticket next year mate.
===============================================
Defo be going next year , and as you say some good bands
Liked the band who wore the justice for the 96 , thought they were best of all
Great to hear songs like white man and magnificent 7 live .
Forgotten how good songs like the prisoner and pressure drop were ,
had them on constant since monday !
Roll on next year !
Joe Strummer csc……………….
Hope everyone has a fabulous time over the holiday period.
I know a few on here or their loved ones aren’t blessed with the best of health at present.
A Christmas wish then of good health to all and their loved ones.
Pogmathonyahun aka Laird of the Smiles
17:43 on
24 December, 2014
FANTASTIC
Hae a Bonnie yule
HH
Java Update:
It’s still an island to the east of Sumatra.
Have a happy and safe Christmas everyone. Thoughts to all those we’ve lost over the years.
Philbhoy @ 18.30
Nicely done
San Diego Bhoy
18:08 on
24 December, 2014
1st Class post Sir
HH
Good Evening Timland.
Pual67……I know at times you must after reading some of
the stuff that is posted on here say to yourself,why do I bother,
you will no doubt ask yourself the same question in the future,
if you read your article on the 24/12/14 you’ll find the answer.
The raven. Didn’t realise you had gone. Sorry we didn’t meet up.
first time poster but long time reader of this blog ,have enjoyed the informative and the downright nonsense posts during the last couple of years! mherry christmas to one and all !
I could be wrong on this,but is it not illegal for a club to take the governing body to court.UEFA rules.I am sure I have read this a few times before.
Anyone enlighten me?.
coatdykebhoy
18:51 on 24 December, 2014
A happy and Holy Christmas to you and yours.
From one ML5er to another welcome to the blog.
Keep the Faith!
Hail Hail!
coatdykebhoy………welcome,are you a mid-winter festivalist?
didnt think I would have time to log on today but so glad I did Pauls article has cheered me immensely
Always proud to call myself a Celtic supporter as we all are ,but the generosity of time given to good causes as well as money is overwhelming.
I love being a Tim
As TBJ said do Celtic appreciate how lucky they are to have support like us…….
Again have a healthy , happy and holy Christmas , give a thought or prayer to those in need and a
Hail Hail to All
coatdykebhoy
18:51 on 24 December, 2014
Do you travel on the Michael Hannaway CSC Bus ?
Keep the Faith!
Hail Hail!
Oh and obviously the obligatory huge HUG to all cqn’ers
Hail Hail
NegAnon2
18:46 on
24 December, 2014
The raven. Didn’t realise you had gone. Sorry we didn’t meet up.
================================================
no probs m8 , was gonna post on blog on monday bout mibbee
meet as u mentioned last wk but usual last minute xmas rush on monday
had me running about mad .
Was only on for few mins to order cqn book .
Anyway , mibbee next year
bsr
Shamsless despot more like!!!
http://www.celticfc.tv/freeview?video=2207
the answers to both questions are no ! i knew michael hannaway , used to drink in his fathers bar !
Coatdykebhoy
Are you a currant bun ?
Horseshoe, big Owneys (not Owens) or Peter’s Bar ???
The 2nd question will answer the 1st, hope you & all your family have a great Christmas whatever the answer
Hail Hail
GlassTwoThirdsFull
18:15 on
24 December, 2014
So the SFA knock back Ashley. Would they do this if they weren’t aware of another option for Sevco? Hmmmmmm……..
So would you have been happy if they had OKd Ashley?.Is there any decision that would have pleased you.If not,I blame Peter Lawell.
neverhappycsc
Frohe Weihnacten……from Lower Saxony ….
Braw article Paul67……would like to wish you and yours a wonderful festive season.
To all fellow Celtic supporters I would l like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas….have a wee look around you and be thankful.
we are living in interesting times ….have a braw New Year and thank you all for helping me through the last 6 months ….may your God go with you
DaveAllencfc
braw
h
Coatdykebhoy,
Used to be one myself.Stayed up in Lavelle Drive,many moons ago.
NegAnon2……..what did you get BCW for Christmas?
something fae Ann Summers perhaps,smileyfacething.
Philbhoy
Very nice post,
I remember Edmiston st, I was born in Parkhead and brought up in Dechmont st,
We left Parkhead when I was 18,
absolutely love Parkhead, would move back there in a heartbeat,
but my family are now used to the more boring apple tree garden areas of the east
end,
Anyhoo a merry Christmas to yours and you, and thanks for a nice wee memory,
ghod bless all CQN ‘ rs,
and a happy birthday to Baby Jesus. ..
current bun ? mmmm ! NO , some welcome to the blog this ! maybe should have carried on lurking ! was always peters bar , but now owens !
Help
Ive lost that gazebo link of the AGM!!!
From Gaza to Gazebo