EVERY child loves the excitement of ripping open a parcel left under a tree with their name on it but this year, a special giving tree has been set up for the people of Limerick to leave gifts for children who won’t be at home this Christmas.
Discover Limerick DAC, which has taken ownership of King John’s Castle, will support a Christmas toy appeal for the Children’s Ark Unit at University Hospital Limerick (UHL).
Traditionally the Unit would have received Christmas gifts from the public in the lead up to Christmas every year. However, due to restrictions on access to hospitals, it is not in a position to accept toys delivered directly to the hospital.
In place of this, a special giving tree has been placed in King John’s Castle, in the heart of Limerick City to allow people to donate toys to the Unit.
“Being in hospital during the festive season can be very tough and our team at King John’s Castle were eager to help spread a little Christmas joy to those who need it most” King John’s Castle General Manager Daire Heffernan explained.
“Similar to last year, the team will erect a large Christmas Giving Tree in the Siege Café in the Castle grounds and we are encouraging locals and visitors to drop an unwrapped gift into the Giving Tree donation box.
The Children’s Ark Unit at University Hospital Limerick is a very special place providing a fun and safe space for play for all children in the hospital. The play facilities are designed around the needs of the unit’s patients and their families.
Kristina Buckley, Play Specialist at the Children’s Ark Unit at University Hospital Limerick said “We are delighted to be collaborating with King John’s Castle and Discover Limerick DAC on this very special Christmas Toy Appeal. All donations will be gratefully received and gifted to our child patients throughout the Christmas season. The remaining toys will be used in the Children’s Ark throughout the year.”
Gift donations are welcome at the Tree up to close of business on Monday, December 19.
