This Christmas double the excitement of giving a well thought out gift to someone you love by supporting those in need.
With our heads full of panic buying Christmas presents and planning a festive meal menu to suit all appetites, it is easy to forget how fortunate many of us are. As homes across Galway are being prepared for decorations, fridges and cupboards are being filled with goodies, and adults near and far are trying to summon some inner calm before the Christmas cabin fever kicks in, it is important that each and every one of us who - has a home to go to, a family to share celebrate the festivities with - are blessed beyond belief.
Thanks to a variety of charitable initiatives, it is easy this year to spread those blessings far and wide, sharing joy with those who may not otherwise experience it. With a selection of initiatives that range from gift items sold by local charities, donating money for a specific Christmas cause, or present donation drives like the Galway Giving Tree or Care Pack.
Pay it forward
Madra
When it comes to fundraising merchandise, beloved local dog charity, Madra, is ahead of the game. The online store offers a range of clothing, children's books, branded bags, coffee cups and calendars, with the proceeds of all going into supporting the dogs currently in Madra's care, and the countless others which will be rescued this winter. For those looking to support four legged friends through donation, the return of the hugely popular 'Dogs Dinner' Christmas appeal means you can give the gift of a festive feast for just €5.
The Galway Hospice
A cause close to the hearts of many, The Galway Hospice, has been supporting patients in palliative care since 1986, providing an invaluable service to those at the end of life, and their families. The support given by the hospice has been readily returned by the people of Galway, with the institution being the recipient of many local fundraisers annually, but especially at Christmas time. This Christmas support the Galway Hospice by purchasing greeting cards, wrapping paper and decorations for your tree, or treat the avid ramblers in your life to the perfect present and give the gift of 'Our Corrib Walks', a guide book written by Patrick McGinley and Denis Healy in aid of Galway Hospice.
The Galway Lions Club
Do you have some money burning a hole in your pocket? Why not aid heroic local organisation, The Galway Lions Club, in its endeavour to support families and individuals throughout Galway by distributing food vouchers. So far this year, The Galway Lions Club have distributed vouchers worth tens of thousands of euros to local families, and the organisation's Christmas Appeal will help those who have gone through a 'bad patch' or who ''fall through the cracks' and need assistance because of illness, poverty or who 'otherwise fall on hard times or need a temporary help to get back on their feet'. The Galway Lions Club annual Radio Auction will be aired on Galway Bay FM from 9am until 12noon on Friday, December 6. Alternatively, donations can be made on The Galway Lions Club's website.
Carepack.ie
Started by Geraldine Monaghan and Stephen Griffin during the height of the Covid-19 Pandemic, Carepack.ie is a nationwide initiative that aims to 'make the world a less lonely place for our most senior citizens'. The success of Carepack.ie has continued long after quarantine and travel limits and has been enthusiastically integrated into residential centres across Ireland. Across Galway, 26 residential homes have opted into the initiative, with residents opting into the present donation programme in which a stranger can send a card, appropriate gifts and extend the hand of friendship to someone during a very special time of year. In the spirit of giving, An Post has kindly offered Freepost for packages up to one kilogram. To learn more visit Carepack.iePick a cause close to your heart
These initiatives are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to paying it forward and giving it back this Christmas, so if you find yourself with some money, or energy to spare this festive season, reach out to charitable organisations close to your heart and see for yourself how you can help. T'is the season for giving after all.
