F &P support -Christmas Toy Appeal with Kinsale Lions Club & CUH Charity
Santa made quite the entrance to Cork University Hospital on a flying visit to the paediatric ward. Giving his team at the North Pole a break before the big day Santa spoke that he was delighted to arrive safely by coastguard helicopter, then transported by army tank he delivered hundreds of presents to children, many of whom will spend the festive season under the care of CUH staff. The huge delivery was the result of a Kinsale & District Lions Club toy appeal, in partnership with the excellent team at CUH Charity, supported by the team at MMD Construction.
Today’s effort was bolstered by contracting firm MMD Construction, which donated a large consignment of toys and volunteers to make it extra special . “The appeal started off quite small but is growing year on year, people like to give at Christmas and toys have been coming in from the public every day,” said club President, Cormac Fitzgerald.
“There’s a great spirit of volunteerism in the club, we package up the toys and then the HSE, Defence forces, Gardai, Cork City Fire Service, Coastguard and army escort them, with Santa, to CUH. “It’s great for the kids and it’s designed to have an impact on those who will be in hospital over Christmas.”
After being transported from Fitzgerald & Partners Chartered Accountants to CUH, healthcare workers sort through the toys and match them up with children. Kinsale & District Lions Club also delivers toys to other local organisations, schools and charities in the locality such as Edel House and others. The convoy and team of volunteers included Mercy & South Infirmary Hospitals spreading some festive cheer with the army band and the talented musician Amanda Neri. Cork GAA sports personalities also lend a hand from Cork GAA community such as Sean Og O Halpin, Brian Hayes, Michael Martin, Dr Con Murphy and Orlaith Cahalane, Fiona Keating & Laura Treacy which was well received.
This initiative is truly spreading the spirit of the season and bringing joy to children and families in need. The Christmas Toy Appeal is all about ensuring that every child spending the holidays at Cork University Hospital feels the warmth and joy of Christmas. It’s a collaborative effort, and the response has been nothing short of phenomenal. We’ve had toys pouring in from the generosity of the public, local businesses, and even major contributors MMD Construction who took this to another level.
It’s a real testament to the power of teamwork. The goodwill of the public has been overwhelming. It’s incredibly heartwarming to see so many stepping up to spread some Christmas cheer.
The event was a day full of smiles and positivity. Handing over the toys to CUH Charity, supported by an incredible lineup of services and Lion volunteers. It’s a culmination of everyone’s hard work and generosity, to see the impact it will have on the children and families at the hospitals Mercy & South Infirmary and also local charities we support. I just want to give a huge thank you to everyone who has contributed—whether through donating toys, giving their time, or spreading the word and all the super team of volunteers who were amazing. The Kinsale Lions Club is proud to lead and collaborate on such an inspiring effort, and we’re so grateful for the support from our members and the wider community.
It’s events like this that remind us of the true spirit of Christmas—community, compassion, and giving. It was a huge success that has surpassed all expectations. We thank you and look forward to working with you in 2025.
Claire Concannon of CUH Charity said: “As well as being a breathtaking spectacle, this event with Kinsale Lions Club brings true joy to children at the hospital.
“Staff are fully behind it and it’s a shining example of community solidarity. We are deeply thankful to the Lions Club and their supporters for making this an unforgettable experience for our young patients.”
Please visit www.kinsalelionsonline.com for further details