£3000 boost for deaf kids from Celtic

From: Glasgow Evening Times, UK - Jul 19, 2004

CELTIC have made hundreds of West of Scotland kids happy before a ball is even kicked this season.

The Hoops' Charity Fund has crashed through the £1million barrier for money raised since it was set up in 1995.

The latest recipient of a very welcome cheque for £3000 is the West of Scotland Deaf Children Society.

It provides counselling for parents of children with hearing problems, and also provides education and support to the kids and their families.

Chairman, Joe Owens, explained it costs £30,000 per year to run the society, and thanked Celtic for their donation.

He said: "It is fantastic to get this cheque from Celtic.

"This money will help us to support these children to realise their full potential."

Celtic first team players, including John Hartson and Paul Lambert, welcomed the children to Celtic Park to see striker David Fernandez hand over the cheque.

A spokesman for the club said: "We are very proud that the Celtic Charity Fund has broken through the £1m barrier for money raised for worthy causes."

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