10 Fabulous Christmas Raffles and Events in aid of Galway Charities

Galway's charitable organisations do heroic work all year round to look out for our communities and loved ones. Thankfully, the season of giving brings us plenty of opportunities to help them raise much-needed funds for their very important services. 

This Christmas, there are some fantastic prizes to be won across the variety of raffles listed below. We've also included loads of other ways to get involved or contribute. Whether you choose to support animal rescue or hospice care, know that every donation helps these organisations keep up the priceless work they do every day. 

Croí - The Golden Ticket Draw

Croí fights heart disease and stroke in the West of Ireland. Their Golden Ticket Draw will raise vital funds for their wide range of services, which help support those who have suffered (or are at risk from suffering) from a life-changing event such as a heart attack or stroke. 

The cash prize fund totals €5000 with 1st prize of €2000, 2nd €1000, 3rd €500 with two more of €250 and 10 prizes of €100. 

Cost per ticket: €5, discounts on bundles.

Draw: December 20th, 2021

Buy Tickets: https://raffle.croi.ie/seller/croi/ 

Let's Get Talking Christmas Raffle

Since the pandemic began, Let's Get Talking has seen a 53% increase in demand for their counselling and psychotherapy services. This Christmas raffle will help them recruit additional therapists so that nobody has to go without counselling due to their financial circumstances.

There are so many incredible prizes to be won, including a city break worth €500, Electric Picnic weekend passes, a bike, and dozens of vouchers for Galway's favourite local businesses. Full list at the link below. 

Cost per ticket: €5, discounts on bundles.

Draw: December 17th

Buy Tickets: https://letsgettalking.ie/raffle/ 

Galway Lions Club Christmas Raffle

Charity Galway Lions Club has just launched its Christmas food appeal, where it will provide over 400 families in the locality with food packages for Christmas. This raffle will help them raise the funds needed, with the fantastic prize of: 

- Two nights Bed and Breakfast at Delphi Resort in Connemara for two.

- Dinner on one of the evenings

- One-hour Thermal Suite Pass per day

2 nights in Connemara

In collaboration with Galway Bay FM, they'll also be holding a radio auction on December 3rd, 9am to 12pm, with more great prizes up for grabs.

Cost per ticket: €5, discounts on bundles.

Draw: December 22nd

Buy tickets: https://www.idonate.ie/raffle/GLC-CFA 

Beyond Beauty Raffle in aid of Galway Hospice

Galway Hospice does amazing work year-round to offer free of charge, palliative care to patients and their families in the West of Ireland. 

This Christmas, Claregalway laser and skincare clinic, Beyond Beauty, are selling tickets for their raffle in aid of Galway Hospice. They've enlisted the help of other generous local businesses and will have a wide range of quality prizes to give away, including a course of Laser Hair Removal. 

Cost per ticket: €5

Draw: December 22nd

Buy Tickets: https://beyondbeauty.ie/product/raffle-ticket-christmas-raffle-in-aid-of-galway-hospice/ 

Cope Galway Christmas Appeal

Cope is a very active local charity that many vulnerable people in our communities rely on. Looking out for the homeless, domestic abuse survivors, and seniors, just some of the services they provide include Meals on Wheels, domestic abuse refuge Modh Eile, emergency accommodation, and outreach services. 

This year, they're running a variety of events to raise vital funds for the continuation of those services. 

Christmas Hamper Donations: Donate items for Christmas food and gift hampers for families in need. 

Christmas Jumper Day: Host your own Christmas Jumper Day at work, school, or at home. 

Buy a Charity Gift: Use Cope's online shop to buy pre-bundled gifts like Christmas dinner or refuge welcome packs.

Christmas Swim: Take part in their Christmas swim (at home, abroad, or in Salthill on December 25th, 9am to 1pm) Register here. 

Go to https://www.copegalway.ie/christmas/ for more info on how to get involved. 

Galway SPCA Christmas Raffle

With a dog sanctuary in Killimor and a cattery in Athenry, GSPCA always have their hands full and are always in need of kind donations to fund the upkeep of their refuges. This Christmas, they've got three amazing prizes up for raffle. 

1st: A two-night stay at Gregans Castle Hotel in Ballyvaughan. Breakfast on both mornings and one evening meal in their award-winning restaurant as well as a half-day walking tour of the Burren.

2nd: A huge Christmas hamper including Brandy, Wine, Whiskey, Chocolates, Biscuits, Tea, Coffee, Perfume, a Newbridge Christmas decoration and lots more.

3rd: €100 one4all voucher. 

Cost per ticket: €5 (3 for €10)

Draw: December 5th

Buy ticket: https://www.gspca.ie/news/christmas-raffle-december-5th or in-person from their shops on St Augustine St, Galway City and Barrack St, Athenry.

Galway Simon Community - Sprint for Simon

The 12 Days of Christmas Challenge is back this year, with all proceeds going to fund Galway Simon Community's vital services for the homeless. 

The challenge takes place from December 25th to January 5th and involves pushing yourself to sprint, walk or run 1km per day. A great excuse to get out in the fresh air after the festivities and give back at the same time!

Register here: https://galwaysimon.ie/sprint-for-simon/

NUIG SU Christmas Raffle in aid of Galway Rape Crisis Centre and BeLonG To Youth Services

Something for the college students in Galway this Christmas - NUIG's Student Union has organised a raffle with 30 prizes donated by local businesses. All proceeds go to Galway Rape Crisis Centre and BeLonG To Youth Services and prizes include everything from Afternoon Tea for Two in The Galmont to a Dough Bros voucher and gym membership. 

Cost per ticket: €5 (3 for €10)

Draw: December 16th 

Buy ticket: https://www.idonate.ie/raffle/NUIGSUChristmasRaffle 

Pizza, Prosecco & Pyjama Party in aid of Pieta House

This charity Zoom party is attracting a big crowd, and it's not hard to see why. It's all in support of an amazing cause - Pieta House - and will be hosted by fashion blogger Lisa McGowan (of Lisa's Lust List) with some special guests promised. 

Everyone who buys a ticket will be entered into a raffle draw. Thanks to the incredible generosity of you the public, she's already raised over €25,000 - but there's still loads of time to register and donate, as there's no limit on the number of attendees for this online event!

Cost per ticket: €10

Date: This Friday December 3rd, 8.00pm to 9.30pm

Buy Ticket: https://events.zoom.us/ev/ 

Cancer Care West Christmas Cards

Cancer Care West always impress at Christmas with their beautiful range of cards. The funds they raise from those sales go directly into ensuring people of all ages can access their residential and cancer support services free of charge.

Their cards are available in six different, unique designs and can be purchased online or at selected outlets across Connacht. See the link below for more details. 

Cost: €7 for a pack of 12. 

Buy online: https://www.cancercarewest.ie/christmas-cards/ 

Massive fair play to all of the local organisations, individuals and businesses who have gone out of their way to support Galway charities this Christmas.

Look out for other events like these happening near you - we'll be sharing some here too over the coming weeks.