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Yesterday the Hibernian Community Foundation held the annual Feed the 500 from Easter Road as we celebrated Christmas Day with members of the Hibernian Community.
Since HCF was formed in 2008 we have always gave back to the community surrounding Easter Road on Christmas Day, and this year was no different with one of our biggest events yet.
Over 500 people were fed from Easter Road, with more than 370 attending in the 1875 Suite and Behind The Goals, while more than 130 received packages at home. Each person also received a gift from HCF as we tried to spread Christmas cheer at a time that can be quite difficult for some in the community.
“The club is rooted in its charitable origin, and the Foundation is the way in which we recognise and honour that. We have a responsibility to serve those in our community who need it most,” said Katie Stewart: HCF Head of Community and Depute CEO.
“A lot of things we take for granted aren’t always guaranteed, so it’s great to be able to spread some Christmas cheer – there’s been a great buzz around the room and it’s been really warming to see the joy on everyone’s faces”.
Over the course of the annual Christmas Appeal for 2025, HCF received approximately £50,000 in funding from the Silent Auction, donations to yearly activities and separate community grants. That funding has not only helped with providing Christmas dinner and presents for the community on Christmas Day; but will also be used throughout 2026 to provide support, comfort and food for the community surrounding Easter Road through HCF’s programmes and activities.
“It’s about helping the community, it’s just what the Foundation is all about,” Hibs captain and HCF Board Member Joe Newell told Sky Sports.
“It’s a full lunch again this year, which just goes to show how much it’s needed and how good the Community Foundation is at doing it.”
Accompanying Joe at Easter Road was a number of members from the Football Club as Martin and Rachel Boyle, Elis Notley, Malky Mackay and Ian Gordon all attended to speak with lunch-goers, pitch in to make sure the day ran smoothly, and spread Christmas cheer.
The lunch wouldn’t have been possible without the tireless work of HCF’s volunteers whose help stretched from preparing delivery packages, setting tables, driving to home deliveries and serving and clearing. We would like to express our sincere thanks to those for attending and volunteering.
The day also wouldn’t have happened without the support from generous funders and groups over the course of the Christmas Appeal: SPFL Trust, the Hillcrest Foundation, The Ellen and Ian Grahame Charitable Foundation, The Hibernian Matchday Programme, Hibs Supporters Club St Patrick’s branch, Hibs Connect, Simon Wootton and Block 7 were all integral with their funding and volunteered time ensuring the lunch went ahead and our members received copious amounts of Christmas cheer.
Thank you to all those who helped to make Christmas Day at Easter Road a reality in 2025, with so much work put in behind the scenes. We hope you had a fantastic Christmas Day and we wish you a peaceful and happy 2026.
