8 Cork Charities and Events to Support this Christmas

There are so many amazing charities across Cork City and County that are doing vital work to support our communities. Christmas is a great opportunity to give back or spread some joy, so we've listed eight locally-based charities hosting a range of exciting fundraising events, both online and in-person.

Cork Mental Health Foundation and Housing Association

This Cork organisation promotes positive mental health through resource centres, seminars, school talks, and other awareness campaigns. They also provide safe accommodation for those who are experiencing mental health difficulties. 

Here are two ways you can support the important outreach work of this Cork charity:

Ryan's Supervalu Togher 5k

After your Christmas weekend of leftovers and afternoon naps, there'll be nothing more refreshing than a 5k in aid of a good cause! Head to Togher on December 27th to take part in this year's charity run. Places are limited, so book yours soon.

Where: Ryan's Supervalu, Togher

When: 1 pm Monday, 27th December

Register: https://www.corkmentalhealth.com/Event/togher-5k-2021 

Slatterys of Kilworth Christmas Lights Appeal

Shane Slattery of the Slattery family from Leitrim, Kilworth has been raising funds for local charities over the years with his magical Christmas light displays. This year, all proceeds will go to the Fermoy committee of Cork Mental Health and Housing Association, making sure that mental health and housing services are always available to those in need.

To donate: https://www.corkmentalhealth.com/donate/slatterys-of-kilworth-christmas-lights-appeal

Marymount University Hospital and Hospice

Marymount Hospice has a fantastic team of palliative care experts, nurses and care assistants who offer patients and their loved ones support during the most difficult times. 

This Christmas, dedicate a virtual Christmas tree light to a loved one with their 'Light Up a Life' Memory Tree. By leaving a message of love or remembrance and making a donation, you will help support the round-the-clock work of Marymount's Hospice team.

Light Up a Life here: https://lightupalife.marymount.ie/ 

Good Shepherd Cork - The Gift that Keeps on Giving

Good Shepherd Cork provide women and children with emergency accommodation as well as educational and therapeutic services for families who have become homeless. Their motto is 'First a Home, then Hope.'

You can gift women and children the cost of one of those supports this Christmas, from a 6hr therapeutic programme 'hot drink and chat' outing with one of their support workers. 

Go here to donate: https://www.idonate.ie/event/the-christmas-gift-that-keeps-on-giving

Cork Simon

Cork Simon Community do amazing work throughout the year to offer emergency housing, counselling, food and other support services to the homeless. Here are a few ways you can help:

White Bay Christmas Swim: Take part in their annual swim - at home or abroad - by braving the waves this Christmas Day. From 12 noon this December 25th, with main group at White Bay, Cork. 

Women's Little Christmas Raffle: Great prizes up for grabs with this raffle that takes place on January 8th - plenty of time to grab a ticket!

Christmas Jumper Day: Organise your own Christmas jumper day, at home or at the office, to raise funds for Cork Simon. 

Head over to https://www.corksimon.ie/Pages/Events/ to sign up or donate. 

Cope Foundation - Light Up Cork

The Cope Foundation supports 2,800 people with intellectual disabilities and/or autism across the county. From their 70 locations across Cork, Cope Foundation empower their service-users to live life to the fullest within their communities.

Honour a loved one with a virtual light

The Light Up Cork initiative invites you to dedicate a Christmas light to someone you love with Cope's online giving page. 

Go here https://lightupcork.ie/donation/ to dedicate your light!

Cork Cancer Care Centre

This drop-in centre based in Cork City is an important spot where cancer sufferers in Cork can meet and avail of support services such as counselling and psychotherapy, holistic treatments, and group activities. 

Christmas Bumper Hamper: A fabulous hamper full of goodies such as Clinique Moisture mask, Rituals hand cream, lipstick, concealer, bronzer, red and white wine, M&S biscuits, and much more. Tickets cost €5.

Buy ticket: https://www.idonate.ie/raffle/cork-cancer-care---christmas-raffle 

Christmas Cards: Set of five beautiful cards designed by Cork artist Fiadh Maguire. Cost - €5. Go here to find out how you can pick up a pack. 

Cork Penny Dinners

Cork Penny Dinners is run entirely by volunteers and operates 365 days a year, offering fresh meals to anyone in need - free of charge and free of judgement. That means they'll open on Christmas Day, and are in need of food supplies to help them serve up some lovely festive meals.

Cork Penny Dinners need donations of ingredients for Christmas food - check out their list.

Go here to donate food (or clothes) to Cork Penny Dinners from their Christmas wishlist, or to make a one-off donation.

Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind

Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind are based in Carrigrohane, Cork but they offer services nationwide. They are partly state-funded but rely on donations to cover the remaining 85% of their running costs. 

With their expertly-trained dogs, they help those who are vision-impaired and families who have children with autism become more independent. Here's how you can donate this Christmas:

Car Raffle: Be in with a chance to win a 2022 Ford Focus by entering their Christmas car raffle. Draw takes place on January 11th, 2022. Car valued between 28-30k. 

Buy Ticket: https://shop.guidedogs.ie/products/car-raffle-ticket 

Christmas Cards or 2022 Calendar: Purchase a set of adorable Christmas cards from their website until December 16th, or pick up their new 2022 Calendar.