Waterford Lions Club Christmas Hamper Appeal 2018 Launched
Waterford Lions Club Christmas Hamper Appeal was officially launched in the Tower Hotel on Tuesday 13th November by Cllr. John O Leary, Deputy Mayor of Waterford City & County Council, Cllr. Joe Kelly Mayor of Metropolitan District Waterford and Derek Mc Grath ex Waterford hurling manager.
The President of the lions Club Eoin O Neill said that this is the 40th year of the Lions Christmas Hamper Appeal and it is a long-running success due the backing and remarkable generosity of the people of Waterford. He said “despite our current economic situation there are still people and families who will be in need this Christmas and it can be a difficult time for some families and individuals”. Eoin O’Neill went onto confirmed that the Christmas Hamper Appeal will bring relief to over 1,250 homes in the City and surrounding areas.
“The commitment is to raise a minimum of €60,000 this year. Such a large undertaking can only be achieved by harnessing the goodwill of the entire community, and this is done by a combination of fund-raising events, financial support from companies and businesses, a monster auction, street collections and donations” continued O’Neill. He appealed to the people Waterford to come and support the Lions Club Christmas Hamper Appeal.
Cllr. John O Leary, Deputy Mayor of Waterford City & County Council, said he was delighted to be at the launch of the Christmas Hamper Appeal 2018. He thanked all those in attendance and to hundreds of people who volunteer and are involved in the appeal from organizing fundraising events, bag packing, the auction, street collections, hamper packing and distribution of the hampers. He thanked the people of Waterford for their generosity who have supported the appeal for the last forty years, he said it is amazing that it is going so long and so successful. He called on the people of Waterford to give generously this year and help make a difference this Christmas. He said that the hampers are distributed through the Waterford Saint Vincent de Paul.
Cllr. Joe Kelly Mayor of Metropolitan District Waterford said that “As Mayor of Waterford I’m delighted to be here to launch the 2018 Lions Club Christmas Hamper Appeal”. This year more than ever the Christmas Hamper Appeal is needed to help families and individuals over the Christmas period. I’m asking everyone to contribute to the Hamper Appeal this year and help make Christmas special for families all over the city” He said he has been involved in the Christmas Hamper Appeal hamper for over fifteen years and said it is really a well worth project.
He thanked the Waterford Lions Club for the excellent work they do and he congratulated them all and wished them well in their work.
Derek Mc Grath, said he fully supports the Lions Club Christmas Hamper Appeal and asked the people of Waterford to get behind it and to come out and support the various events and collections. He made particular reference to the street collection that will take place from Friday 14th to Friday 21st December and asked people to contribute what they can.
Some of the key events that are planned:
A Monster Auction will be held in the Tower Hotel on Wednesday 12th December. All items donated will be advertised in the News & Star, Munster Express and Waterford Today on our website lionsclubwaterford.com and on Facebook with Waterford In Your Pocket.
The Annual Christmas Carol Service in the Cathedral which is on Saturday 15th December at 4pm.
Bodega Lunch on Wednesday the 5th December from 12 to 2 pm
Whiskey Tasting evening in Revolution on Thursday 6th December at 7.30pm. See more HERE.
McLeay’s Cafe at Morris’s DIY, Friday 7th December a tea & coffee morning (scones & croissants) from 8.30 – 10.30 am
The President thanked the Deputy Mayor of Waterford City & County John O Leary, Waterford Metropolitan Mayor Joe Kelly and Derek Mc Grath for launching the Appeal and for their continued support.
Finally, he said the Lions Club deeply appreciative the support that we have received through the years from the people of Waterford and hoped that it would continue.
Míle Buíochas ó chroí do gach éinne
