Children’s Books Ireland has called on people in Galway to support its ‘Gift A Book’ appeal ahead of Christmas.
The national charity has committed a starting fund of €10,000, the prize money from their recent National Lottery Good Causes Award, to put books into the hands of children in need this Christmas.
In partnership with Irish charities such as Dublin Simon, Novas and Doras, these books are being delivered to children and young people across Ireland who are experiencing homelessness and living in Direct Provision.
Children’s Books Ireland says that while this starting fund will ensure that over a thousand children receive the gift of a book this Christmas, there are thousands more who still need their support.
The charity is asking people in Galway to match this figure, making this gift go even further in 2024.
Elaina Ryan, CEO of Children’s Books Ireland, said for many people, Christmas is a time of joy, relaxation and indulgence.
“But there are approximately 2,440 children living in Emergency Accommodation Centres and almost 4,000 children living in homelessness in Ireland. For these children, Christmas is just another day without basic comforts, let alone luxuries,” she said.
“A book cannot put a roof over a child’s head, but it can give them a moment of reprieve from a difficult reality. Reading gives a child the gift of time travel, of magic, of a smile at a silly joke, or a moment of recognition when they see someone like them.
“In launching this appeal, we want to share this gift with children, and we are so grateful to everyone whose donations will help us to do that.
“We’re calling on everyone to gift a book this Christmas by donating at www.childrensbooksireland.ie/giftabook.”
Tracy Sibanda, Tenancy Sustainment Officer at NOVAS, which will distribute 700 books to children in Ireland, said that Novas are working extremely hard this Christmas to make sure that Santa will arrive to every child that they’re supporting.
“Thank you to Children’s Books Ireland – the books that they’ve donated are really going to make a massive impact to the families and children that we support.”
For more information on Children’s Books Ireland’s ‘Gift A Book’ appeal and to donate visit: www.childrensbooksireland.ie/giftabook.
