RECOGNISING SCOTLAND’S BIG HEART FOR EAST AFRICA

10 Aug 2011

SNP MSP for Glasgow Shettleston, John Mason, whose constituency includes Parkhead, has tabled the following parliamentary motion, congratulating Celtic FC, Manchester United FC and Oxfam on their efforts to raise over £300,000 for the East Africa Appeal.

S4M-00636 John Mason (Scottish National Party): That the Parliament congratulates Celtic Football Club and Manchester United Football Club on what it considers to be an outstanding gesture of generosity by raising over £300,000 for Oxfam’s East Africa appeal during the Celtic Legends v Manchester United Legends charity match at Celtic Park on 9 August 2011; commends the over 50,000 football supporters for showing such generosity by attending the match and contributing to the East Africa appeal; recognises the immense work done by Oxfam’s staff and volunteers at the game, and believes that this is a good example of Scottish football having a positive impact on wider society.

Commenting John Mason MSP, who attended the match, said:

“Well done to Celtic Football Club on what is an enormous act of generosity.

“More than 10 million people in Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, and the newly-formed Republic of South Sudan have been left in need of food, water and emergency healthcare because of one of the worst droughts in 60 years. Hundreds of thousands of people have fled Somalia due to the drought and conflict, parts of the country are now afflicted by famine.

“You can donate to the DEC’s East Africa appeal by calling 0370 60 60 900 or you can donate £5 by texting “CRISIS” to 70000″.