Enable Ireland and Childline have joined forces to operate the Santa’s Grotto in the Continental Christmas Market in Eyre Square between Friday November 19 and December 19 and are appealing for local businesses to give support by making a donation.
The Santa’s Grotto, one of the highlights of the German-style Christmas market, is a exicting opportunity for Enable Ireland and Childline, organisations which provide essential services and support for children in need in Galway city and county. A lot of hard work has been going on behind the scenes to create a wonderful experience for all who visit the grotto.
As part of the activities Enable Ireland and Childline will be holding carol singing on two occasions at the market and have also organised the ‘All Ireland Santa Dash’ which will take place in Galway city on Sunday December 12 at noon, and will see Eyre Square and the main shopping streets become a sea of red Santas of all ages.
Operating the grotto and associated events is a wonderful opportunity for both charities, however, it is expected that the bill to run it will amount to approximately €20,000. According to the charities, this figure is based on a minimum of 3,000 children visiting the grotto over the four week period of the market. Some of these costs will be offset through the pricing structure of a visit to Santa at €8 per child, however, the charities are appealing to the businesses in Galway to support the venture by making a donation to Santa’s Grotto, in lieu of sending Christmas hampers, cards, or gifts to clients and customers.
All donations and support will be acknowledged and receipted. For donations of €2,000 or more there will be options for product/ brand placement at the grotto and the charities are also looking to secure a title sponsor for the Santa Dash on December 12.
For further information on supporting Enable Ireland and Childline for the Santa’s Grotto or Santa Dash event phone 091 526321.
