Athlone group's appeal to "bring some Christmas magic" to direct provision centres

Athlone's New Horizon refugee support charity has issued an online appeal to help "bring some Christmas magic" to children and families living in direct provision centres in the Midlands.

At this time of year, New Horizon typically organises a book sale in Athlone IT, the proceeds from which are used to help fund a Christmas party and gifts for children living in direct provision. Hampers are also donated to families living at the centres.

Covid-19 restrictions mean that neither the book sale or the Christmas party can go ahead this year, but New Horizon's "elves" are currently arranging for Santa to deliver presents to the children and hampers to their parents to provide some Christmas cheer.

New Horizon reports that 100 children in the Athlone direct provision centre in Lissywollen, and 20 children in the Temple direct provision centre in Horseleap are on Santa's 'nice' list!

The charity is inviting people to make donations to a GoFundMe page in order to help with this seasonal appeal.

The GoFundMe appeal was launched in mid-November and will continue until December 15. At the time of writing, donations of over €2,000 had been received.

Contributions can be made at: https://ie.gofundme.com/f/bring-some-christmas-magic-to-direct-provision