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21/11/2007 - Micheál O’Muircheartaigh to Launch Blanchardstown Centre’s Giving Tree Appeal and to Switch on the Lights in the Town Centre.

Legendary GAA commentator and the voice of Gaelic Games, Micheál O’ Muircheartaigh will be in the Blanchardstown Centre on Wednesday 5th December at 7.30pm to make a call for local support and Christmas kindness at the launch of JCI Castleknock (Junior Chamber International) annual Giving Tree Appeal.

The initiative, which is in its 10th year and is run in conjunction with the St. Vincent de Paul, ensures that no child is left without a gift on Christmas morning. Shoppers are asked to a card from the tree and buy a gift for the child named on the card. All gifts are then collected from the Blanchardstown Centre by JCI volunteers and are distributed to families and charities throughout West Dublin by St Vincent de Paul.

Charities that have benefited in the past include underprivileged children in the Dublin 15 area as well as to a number of Orphanages and Women’s Refugees across the city, St. Joseph’s Hospital, Clonsilla, and Friends for Friends, the charity that helps children with HIV.

At the official launch, Micheál O’ Muircheartaigh will be joined by GAA Dublin Footballer All Stars Jason Sherlock, Barry Cahill, Bernard and Alan Brogan.

Aoife Warren President of JCI commented “The Giving Tree Appeal has become a regular event and we never cease to be overwhelmed by the generosity of those who make use of the Giving Tree Appeal to give a Christmas present to someone less fortunate than themselves – it really displays the true spirit of Christmas!”

Commenting on the success of the campaign, Mercy Prendergast, Marketing Manager, Blanchardstown Centre says; "Since its inception the Blanchardstown Centre Giving Tree Appeal has helped thousands of disadvantaged children share in the joy of Christmas. We hope that our shoppers will, once again, support this worthy Appeal and make Christmas magic for children in need. Our target is to collect 2,000 gifts this December! By donating a gift (toys or clothes) to the Appeal you can make this Christmas a very special one for a child who might otherwise be without a gift on Christmas morning."

The Giving Tree Appeal will run on the following dates 1st, 2nd, 5th, 8th, 9th, 15th and 16th December.

21.11.2007

Editors Notes*
JCI Castleknock is part of the largest personal and leadership development organisation for young people in the world - Junior Chamber International. JCI Castleknock meets on the second Monday of every month upstairs in Myo's Castleknock (8.15pm) - new members always welcome.
www.jci-ireland.org/castleknock.

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