Moate's Share A Dream house to light up for last time

Moate's Share A Dream house will light up for Christmas for the last time this week, bringing to an end a nine-year tradition in the town, after helping to raise thousands of euro for the children's charity. Over the years Helen and Jim Dunne have raised some €150,000 for the Share A Dream Foundation, which helps to make the dreams of seriously ill children from across the country come true. And keeping with tradition, Santa Claus will be arriving at their home at 5.45pm on Saturday November 26 for the big light switch-on ahead of the festive season. It is hoped some Disney characters will also join in the celebrations and the fire brigade and gardaí will be on hand to help out as usual. While the switch-on of the lights is a happy occasion for the couple and the people of Moate every year, this year it will also be tinged with sadness and nostalgia as Helen and Jim know it's the last year they will put on the Christmas display. Helen explained that 2010 was supposed to be the last year they would do it, but due to the bad weather of 12 months ago many people couldn't make it. They were subsequently inundated with letters and emails after Christmas asking them to do it for one more year, which they agreed to do. Preparations are still under way for Saturday and Helen said they will gratefully accept any donations of sweets to fill goody bags for the children, and she is still hoping to recruit a few more stewards for the day to help with crowd control. Anyone who can help should contact Helen on 087 6448533. She said Share A Dream was hoping to raise enough money this year to give the 121,000th child their dream. And on Sunday, December 18, the Share A Dream bus will arrive at Helen and Jim's home with special guest Santa (2.30-6pm). This Saturday, November 26, the lights at Helen and Jim's house, Dublin Road, Moate, will be switched on at 5.45pm, where there's sure to be plenty of festive fun to get you in the mood for the Christmas season.