Advent activity calendars sent to children in oncology ward

ONE HUNDRED Christmas Advent activity calendar packs have been generously donated to the children in an oncology ward in Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital Crumlin by members of a family resource centre in Tallaght,.

Members of St Kevin’s Family Resource Centre (KFRC) in Kilnamanagh donated the packets and crayons to the children in St John’s Ward at the hospital for them to have fun activities to enjoy over the Christmas period. The funds for the packets were raised by the centre’s crochet group.

“They made the blanket between them as a group – they all made a square each and crocheted them together and sold tickets at a raffle,” said Margaret Goulding, organiser of the crochet group at KFRC. “It was a couple of years ago and because of Covid-19 we all haven’t been together. The proceeds from the raffle have been in the centre since then.”

Speaking about how the idea to donate the advent calendar packets to the children came about, Margaret said after speaking with someone from the ward they thought some smaller gifts to give out to all of the children would be a good idea.

“When they are having a bad day, it is nice to have some games there they can do and lift their spirits,” said Margaret. “There is a different activity in the calendar for everyday – it could be connecting the dots, colouring, stickers etc.”

As well as the 100 activity packs and crayons, the ladies in the group kindly donated Terry’s chocolate oranges to the ward and are crocheting Christmas puddings that the children can put the chocolate into and enjoy this Christmas.