20th November 2015
By Bryan Smyth
bryan@TheCork.ie
Sick children who attend Cork city hospitals are to experience a wonderful Christmas surprise on the 3rd and 4th of December 2015.
More than 240 vulnerable or sick children will visit Fota House which will be transformed into a magical Christmas setting thanks to Santa, the Cork City Hospitals Children’s Club volunteers and a little help from the Elves!
Santa’s invitation list includes children from Cork University Hospital, The Mercy University Hospital, Cork Deaf Association, Edel House and St. Gabriels.
“You can’t imagine what an event like this can do for a child who has had a difficult year, due to either illness or circumstances,” says Cork City Hospitals Children’s Club chairperson, John Looney. All the Cork City Hospitals Children’s Club staff volunteer their time off to make this a really special event and their enthusiasm and commitment to the club never wanes. This is our 12th Christmas event in Cork and we hope it will be a roaring success and one that children will treasure for a lifetime.”
December 3rd & 4th will see the children being transported in style to Fota House in vintage cars, mini coopers and stretch Limousines. These very special passengers will be escorted to their destination by local Gardai, the Cork City Fire Brigade and the Army. This would not be possible without the tremendous support from Kinsale Vintage Cars, Mini Club of Ireland, Superintendent Con Cadogan, Superintendent Charles Barry and the Gardai from Togher, Bishopstown,Gurranabraher and the traffic core of Anglesea street who assist us greatly over the two days.
On arrival, the “red carpet treatment” will be rolled out with a warm welcome from many characters awaiting them, who will then whisk the children up the drive for a special Christmas surprise. Inside, they’ll be greeted by Santa himself and his wife, Mrs Claus: while Santa’s other helpers, the Elves, will be busy making Christmas toys for all the boys and girls.
A host of characters will keep the children entertained: face painters to snowmen, lions, a lion tamer, and of course Mrs. Claus herself and all her helpers. The children will also be provided with delicious eats and treats prepared Carol Looney and John O’Connor and Sean Cunningham from Dominos will be generously donating pizza for all the children.
Adding to the seasonal atmosphere will be Red FM DJs who will provide background music entertainment throughout the two day event.
The children will then visit Santa and his helpers. A sign – language communicator will enable children who are deaf to join in the fun and communicate with Santa.
Also a special playroom awaits the children where they can draw, paint and send Christmas cards.
Gardai, Doctors and nurses will be on hand to join in the fun and provide medical back up if needed.
