Children’s Books Ireland has committed a starting fund of €10,000, the prize money from their recent National Lottery Good Causes Award, to put books into the hands of children in need this Christmas. In partnership with Irish charities such as Dublin Simon, Novas and Doras, these books are being delivered to children and young people across Ireland who are experiencing homelessness and living in Direct Provision.
While this starting fund will ensure that over a thousand children receive the gift of a book this Christmas, Children’s Books Ireland says there are thousands more who still need their support. The charity is asking people to match this figure, making this gift go even further in 2024.
Elaina Ryan, CEO of Children’s Books Ireland, said: “For many people, Christmas is a time of joy, relaxation and indulgence. But there are approximately 2,440 children living in Emergency Accommodation Centres and almost 4,000 children living in homelessness in Ireland. For these children, Christmas is just another day without basic comforts, let alone luxuries”.
“A book cannot put a roof over a child’s head, but it can give them a moment of reprieve from a difficult reality. Reading gives a child the gift of time travel, of magic, of a smile at a silly joke or a moment of recognition when they see someone like them. In launching this appeal, we want to share this gift with children and we are so grateful to everyone whose donations will help us to do that”.
“We’re calling on everyone to gift a book this Christmas by donating.”
If you wish to gift, then visit www.childrensbooksireland.ie/giftabook
