Santa stops in Cork to join Taoiseach and soldiers on visit to kids spending Christmas in hospital
Kinsale & District Lions Club, a non-profit volunteer organisation aiding the most vulnerable communities in Cork, joined forces with Cork University Hospital (CUH) Charity to bring their annual Toy Drop to kids spending Christmas time in paediatric wards.
Also in attendance at the event was Santa Claus himself who came with his helpers all the way from the North Pole at such a busy time ahead of Christmas.
Defence Forces members, emergency services crews and Cork intercounty football, hurling and camogie stars also turned up to support the event.
“The generosity shown by Kinsale Lions Club, CUH Charity, MMD Construction, our emergency services, Cork GAA players, and the wider public, reflects the very best of Cork,” the Taoiseach said.
“Bringing joy to young patients at Christmas is a wonderful reminder of the kindness and solidarity that define our community.”
Mark Cronin, Micheál Aodh Martin, Aoife O’Neill, Laura O’Mahony and Saoirse McCarthy were among the stars of Gaelic games lending a valuable hand.
Santa Claus and his helpers joined at Cork University Hospital by CEO of CUH Jennifer Kearney, President of Kinsale Lions Club, Cormac Fitzgerald, and Cork GAA stars Micheál Aodh Martin, Mark Cronin, Aoife O’Neill, Laura O’Mahony and Saoirse McCarthy. Picture: Brian Lougheed.
Cormac Fitzgerald, President of Kinsale & District Lions Club, said that the Toy Drop, which is backed by MMD Construction, ensured that every child in hospital at this time of year felt the warmth and magic of Christmas.
“The response has been nothing short of phenomenal. We are deeply grateful for the generosity of the public and our corporate supporters. A warm thanks must go to the Defence Forces and the Army Band, whose enthusiasm and support helped make the day truly unforgettable,” he said.
CUH Charity took in all donations of toys, with Kinsale Lions Club volunteers and emergency service personnel co-ordinating distribution to children at CUH, Mercy University Hospital, South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital and other local charities.
Santa Claus and all his helpers arrived at Cork University Hospital for the annual Christmas Toy Drop. Picture: Brian Lougheed.
Claire Concannon of CUH Charity said that the annual Toy Drop is one of the most favoured charity appeals in the county.
“The support that this initiative receives is immense and this year was no different, we were thrilled to be part of it once again.
“The backing of the entire community makes it such a success, with the core aim of lifting the spirits of those children who will spend time in hospital over Christmas.”
