So as Naoise mentioned earlier, we've been making some efforts ourselves in One Fab Day to make this Christmas more of A Giving Christmas - thinking of ways to give back. 2016 may have been filled with a fair share of gloom, but there are great people out there working hard for those less fortunate and we've found some really great ways to support them. From the shoe box campaign to giving blood, buying a real Christmas tree from a charity farm or going to see Santa for a cause, there are loads of ways to get involved. Here are our 24 Simple Ways to give a little back this Christmas...
1. Christmas Trees for a Good Cause
Laura Lynn Children's Hospice
All profits after costs from the Carrickmines Christmas Tree Farm go directly to Laura Lynn Children's Hospice, so if you're buying a real tree and live in Dublin make sure to pay a visit.
www.facebook.com/The-Christmas-Tree-Farm-Carrickmines-in-Aid-of-Laura-Lynn-Childrens-Hospice
2. Donate a Shoe Box of Gifts
Inner City Helping Homeless
For the second year in a row, ICHH has teamed up with the Luas to donate gifts to Dublin's homeless population. Shoeboxes of gifts will be excepted on December 8th at Connolly Luas Stop between 7am-7pm.
3. Donating to Families in your Community
SVP
Drop a gift into your local Aldi store before December 12th, gifts will be then given out to families in your community. Alternatively donate online by buying a virtual gift such as a teddy bear for just €5
4. Send Charity Christmas Cards & Accessories
Dogs Trust
Help rehome dogs in need and put an end to puppy farms by buying Dogs Trust charity Christmas cards, a 2016 calendar or Christmas doggie treats.
www.dogstrustshop.ie/christmas
5. Get a Personalised Letter from Santa
ISPCC Childline Services
This year the ISPCC have teamed up with Santa and are offering cute personalised Santa letters for just €10.00. Get your orders in before the 16th of December.
6. Gifts that Aid the Visually Impaired
Irish Guide Dogs
Treat yourself to a charitable candle, gift bag, calendar or Christmas bauble and rest assured all proceeds will go to a good cause.
7. Give Blood - The IBTS Needs 3,000 Donations a Week!
The Irish Blood Transfusion Service
Giving back isn't all about cash donations. This season the IBTS are in desperate need of blood donations. Find your local donation centre here: www.giveblood.ie/Where_to_Give_Blood
8. Donate to the Annual Toy Appeal
Barnardos
Donate a toy worth around €10 to a child in need, or buy a child in your life the adorable The Girl and the Cloud for just € 8.99 - with all proceeds going to sick kids.
www.barnardos.ie/christmas-at-barnardos
9. Light up a Life
Our Lady’s Hospice & Care
Sponsor a light for just €6 and remember those who have passed away while helping out the wonderful caregivers at Our Lady’s Hospice & Care Services.
www.lightupalife.ie/about-light-up-a-life
10. Donate Clothes at your Local TK Maxx
Enable Ireland
Enable Ireland have joined up with TK Maxx to raise money for children & young people with disabilities across the country. Simply donate a bag of unwanted clothes at your local TK Maxx.
www.tkmaxx.ie/give-clothes-good-enable-Ireland
11. Volunteer & Fundraise this Christmas
Dublin Simon Community
Donate winter woollies, partake in Sing for Simon on the 16th, send a Simon Star or simply buy your Christmas cards from the Simon online store.
www.dubsimon.ie/SupportthisChristmas
12. Ensure Nobody is Lonely this Christmas
Friends of the Elderly
Visit an elderly relative or neighbour, pop into the Friends of the Elderly shop or donate online to make sure no elderly person goes lonely this festive season.
13. Donate your Christmas Party Tips
Focus Ireland & Peter McVerry Trust
Donate your Christmas meal restaurant tip to charity using Street Smart Ireland, purchase a ticket to the Peter McVerry Trust Christmas Carol Concert or buy some Peter McVeryy Christmas cards to help Dublin's young homeless people.
14. Send Christmas Cards to Help Dementia Sufferers
The Alzheimer Society of Ireland
Help those suffering from Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia by buying a pack of their colourful Christmas cards for just €10.
15. Donate a Toy & Cheer up a Sick Kid on Christmas Day!
Temple Street Children's Hospital
Tick a gift of a sick child's wish list this Christmas and make their stay in hospital that bit cheerier. View the list here: www.templestreet.ie/event/toy-appeal
16. Visit Santa & Help Animals in Need
DSPCA
Help fund animal welfare by bringing your kids to visit Santa and the animals at the DSPCA. Visits cost between €5 – €12 and book up every year, so book now to avoid missing out.
Helping Those in Need Across the World
17. Provide Basic Needs for Those in Need
Trocaire
Donate just €25 and supply a family with seeds to grow food, for both themselves and as a source of income.
www.trocaire.org/donate/christmas
18. Feed Hungry Families for as Little as $15
World Food Program
Feed a hungry child for an entire month by donating just $15.
19. Generate Funds for People Living in Poverty
Oxfam Ireland
Oxfam Ireland help those suffering from poverty, disaster and conflict and accept donations of any size.
www.oxfamireland.org/christmas
20. Give a Bunny
Concern
Pick a gift, from a bunny rabbit to a simple pack of clean water Aquatabs, and make someone's 2017 that bit better.
21. Life Saving Christmas Gifts
Bothar
Choose a gift from €50 and receive a thank you card & magnet as a token of gratitude.
www.bothar.ie/BOTHAR-Christmas2016Catalogue
22. Give a Gift Directly to a Child in Need
Unicef
Unicef is currently working with children in Syria and are accepting once off Christmas or monthly donations.
23. Help a Business in the Developing World by Lending (not just giving)
Kiva
Committed to helping communities grow themselves out of poverty, Kiva is a peer-to-peer loan platform, asking that you offer a loan rather than give. Support small businesses who then pay back their loans, giving you the opportunity to lend again to another business. A wonderful way to see your money in action. Find out more here: www.kiva.org
24. Donate a Medical Supply Relief Kit
Direct Relief
Join The Healing Project and build your own medical relief kit that will directly help people affected by poverty or emergencies around the world.
Have you decided to give back this Christmas? If you have any ideas we've missed let us via our Facebook page or in the comments.
