THE London Irish Centre has launched a Christmas Appeal to raise funds to support the services it provides to the most vulnerable members of the community.
Founded in 1955, the centre provides culture, welfare and community services to Irish men and women across the capital, addressing various needs including housing, benefits, mental health, social isolation and education.
With many of their clients among the more vulnerable members of the community, the organisation has launched a Christmas Appeal for 2019 which is focused on loneliness and vulnerability.
"This Christmas see if you can give back and help us to support the older members of our community,” Brian Hanley, Director of Community Services at the London Irish Centre, told The Irish Post.
“These are people who have given their lives to service and hard work. Many now face a Christmas alone.
“Any contribution you can give will help make a transformative difference to the lives of some of the most vulnerable in our community.”
Throughout the festive season, the LIC will run a mix of welcoming services, events and activities to provide connection, company and care to the most isolated people it supports.
Everyone is welcome to all of the LIC’s Christmas Appeal events, although booking in advance is recommended, and all proceeds from these events will go to the 2019 Christmas Appeal.
The London Irish Centre’s Christmas Appeal events:
Christmas Hampers
Each year, the London Irish Centre does a hamper run to provide some of their most vulnerable clients with food and necessities. Over a two-day period, staff and volunteers of the London Irish Centre will travel across the city giving out these hampers just in time for Christmas.
Christmas Carols & Craic
As per tradition, the first event will be Christmas Carols & Craic on 10th December where you can join the LIC in turning on the Christmas lights, enjoy some mince pies and mulled wine while singing along to your favourite Christmas carols with London City Voices Choir and Gaelic Voices. The evening will finish up with some of London’s best musicians with an Irish Trad Session. Tickets are £12. More information can be found on londonirishcentre.org/christmascarolscraic.
Christmas Tea Dance
The LIC’s biggest Tea Dance of the year will be held on 11th December in the McNamara Hall. Come ready for an afternoon of Christmas dinner, pudding and dancing with music provided by Mustang. There will also be a raffle with some fantastic prizes up for grabs. Tickets are £15 and include your Christmas lunch and the tea dance.
London Irish Comedy Club
Join us for the last Comedy Club of the season on the 12th December. A night filled with belly-laughs courtesy of Catherine Bohart, Peter Flanagan and Gearoid Farrelly with Rory O’Hanlon as MC. The evening kicks off at 8pm.
Tickets are £15 and are available now on londonirishcentre.org.
Irish Breakfast
The LIC’s Irish breakfast is back by popular demand just in time for Christmas. On the 13th December, clients can get themselves a traditional Irish fry in the Kennedy Hall at 10am for just £5. The last Irish breakfast saw over 140 clients arrive to the Centre so be sure to get your ticket early to avoid disappointment!
Kennedy Hall Christmas Party
The last hoorah before the Christmas break! The LIC will host a Christmas Party for their older clients in the Kennedy Hall with lunch being served at 12.30pm. Bring your Christmas jumpers and get into the festive spirit! Tickets are £10. Contact the Wellbeing Team on 020 7916 2222 for more information.
You can support this year’s Appeal by donating online at londonirishcentre.org/christmas, by phoning 020 7916 2222 or by calling into the London Irish Centre at 50-52 Camden Square, NW1 9XB.
