With a renewed sense of purpose in what has been a challenging 2020 to date, iCare has launched its ‘iCare at Christmas – Kindness without limits’.
The campaign has a target of 1,000 Christmas presents for teenagers, young adults, young mothers, those in sheltered accommodation, women’s aid, temporary accommodation and experiencing homelessness across Ireland.
Launched in 2018 by iCare, a self-funded, volunteer-led charity, the aim of the campaign is to provide gifts to those who, due to their circumstances are often overlooked.
The campaign is run closely with Homecare Independent Living (HCIL), Homecare Support Services and Homecare Housing LTD, who work closely with vulnerable teenagers, adults, and families daily.
Speaking about the campaign, Mairead Mackle, Co-Founder of iCare said: “Last year, with public and corporate support we delivered over 500 presents to family shelters, Women’s aid, youth centres across Northern Ireland and in the greater Dublin area.
“2020 has been a challenging and extraordinary year to date but our committee are dedicated to delivering 1,000 presents and bringing a little bit of Christmas magic to those who might otherwise, not receive any presents.
“Any funds donated to our JustGiving page will be used to shop locally and buy gifts. If any local businesses would like to support the campaign, please get in touch with iCare. ”
She added: “We would love the public to support iCare with this campaign, spreading kindness without limits and making a small difference to the lives of those most vulnerable in our communities.”
How to get involved
1. Donate a gift and drop off at any of our offices or use our contact-free Amazon Wish List https://www.icarecharity.com/icareatchristmas
2. Make a financial contribution https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/icare-charity
3. Become a Campaign Supporter – Join our team to promote the iCare at Christmas campaign, celebrate the kindness without limits message, in what has been a very challenging year. Your company logo/team image and message of support will feature on our website and across our social media platforms, with a partner announcement. Email icare@hcil.com
Santa’s Gatelodge 2020
Many local families will have enjoyed visiting the hugely successful Santa’s Gatelodge since it was launched in 2010. With the health and safety of its amazing team and volunteers as priority, the iCare committee made the difficult decision not to go ahead with its annual 19-night Christmas extravaganza Santa’s Gatelodge.
This has had a critical impact on the charity and its ability to fundraise. However, the iCare Committee are committed to spreading Christmas magic and have launched a brand new to 2020, Personalised Santa Video and Santa letter, as a way to keep the Gatelodge alive with existing and new families that would normally visit https://www.santasgatelodge.com/
Janine Smalls, Co-Founder of iCare said: “Although very disappointed that we cannot host Santa’s Gatelodge this year due to ongoing restrictions, we’re really happy to be able to keep the spirit of Gatelodge alive.
“Celebrating all the magic of Santa’s Gatelodge in Milford leading up to Christmas Eve, our personalised video will transport you to Santa’s stable with some special guests, whisking you away to Mrs Claus’ kitchen where you’ll create a very special recipe and finally stopping by Santa’s study where he might just have received a very special letter, that he wants to talk to you about.”
About iCare – Kindness, Always …
Founded in 2010 iCare, is a volunteer-led charity committed to spreading kindness without limits and making a real difference in local communities across Ireland through our acts of kindness, iCare Wishes. Entirely self-funded, the charity committee and its team of local volunteers coordinate a number of annual fundraisers. Since inception it has raised over £350,000 and granted close to 400 iCare Wishes for individuals, families, and groups across the island of Ireland.
