The gift of happiness

A number of Leeside organisations are coming together to spread Christmas cheer to migrant families living in Cork Direct Provision centres this festive season.

Fáilte Refugees Society at UCC has partnered with dedicated UCC lecturers and students, Cork Migrant Centre, Nano Nagle Place, and Saoirse - Ethnic Hands on Deck have teamed up to make Christmas as special as possible for migrant families in Cork, many of whom are spending Christmas thousands of miles from their loved ones.

The collective aim is to raise €10,000 for hosting Christmas parties for residents in the 11 Direct Provision centres across county Cork, benefitting over 400 children. The funds will be used to provide each child with the opportunity to handpick a present of their choice, ensuring that the festive spirit reaches every corner of the community.

UCC lecturer, Dr Mike FitzGibbon, who plays Santa Claus each year at the Direct Provision Christmas parties, said: “It means so much to me and to others because we’ve witnessed the kind of lives that the children are subjected to because of the consequence of Direct Provision and the way that children are marginalised or feel marginalised.

“So, any opportunity we get to reduce that level of marginalisation or put a little bit of happiness into their lives, I don’t think that we have any option but to take the opportunity.”

To find our more or to donate, visit gofundme.com and search for 'children in direct provision centres cork'.

Insert: Amudalat Motunrayo Aribidesi and her baby Muttalib Iremide Aribidesi with Mike Fitzgibbon of UCC International Development. Photo: Emma Jervis Photography