CHRISTMAS is about making lovely memories and giving back. As the season approaches, organisations all over Limerick are getting ready to do both.
And as individuals who go the extra mile to give back, let’s hear it for the Noonan family in Templeglantine.
For the past 25 years, the Noonans have plugging in thousands of LEDs, glowing elves, inflatable Santas, and wobbly happy snow characters appear every year at their home, attracting scores of people who come from far and wide to leave donations and, on specific dates, even meet Santa himself.
Over the years, more than €240,000 has been raised and, even through the difficult Covid-19 lockdown, the Noonans put their lights online to shine some cheer on the pandemic gloom.
- External Walls: Up to €8,000 Grant
- Attic: Up to €1,500 Grant
- Cavity Walls: Up to €1,700 Grant
- Internal Dry Lining: Up to €4,500 Grant
This November 30 at 5pm, the Noonans will be at it again, with hurling hero Nickie Quaid throwing the switch.
“Everyone is welcome to come, enjoy the atmosphere and meet the family. Donations are made by leaving some cash in one of the many buckets left out,” the Noonans said.
This year, the money raised from the lights will go to Milford Hospice, Slí Eile Mental Health Services, North Cork, Recovery Haven, Tralee, and Limerick Suicide Watch, with a donation also going to the Dromcollogher 26 commemoration group.
And in Milford on December 7, remembering and giving back are also the themes with the Light up a Memory sponsored Christmas lights.
By sponsoring a light, participants not only honour the life of someone special but also commemorate their significance and contributions to the world. Proceeds help the amazing work done by the care centre.
Limerick Central Rotary Club will be operating its annual Remembrance Tree at the Castletroy Town Centre in aid of the Cancer Fund for Children.
The Rotary’s mission is to “empower, connect and strengthen children, young people and their families so they feel better equipped to cope with the emotional impact of cancer”.
The tree will be launched on Friday December 12 and will run for two weekends. People wishing to support this fundraising project can also make an online donation via the Limerick Central Rotary Club website.