Cork hotel's Giving Tree helps 100 local children have a proper Christmas

Christmas is expensive. Between the food shop that somehow triples in December, the Santa presents, the extended family gifts and everything else that comes with the season, it's a lot. But while many of us are stressing about budget spreadsheets and online shopping carts, there are families across Cork who are genuinely worried about whether their kids will have anything to open on Christmas morning at all.

That's where the Cork International Hotel's Giving Tree comes in. It's a beautiful initiative that's been running since 2012, and this year they've teamed up again with St Vincent de Paul to make sure 100 local children get a present under the tree.

The idea is lovely and simple. SVP provides tags with the names and ages of children from families who are struggling financially. Those tags go on a Christmas tree in the hotel lobby. Hotel staff and guests can take a tag, buy an age-appropriate gift (think toys, pyjamas or clothes) and return it unwrapped with the tag attached. Then SVP delivers the gifts directly to parents so they can wrap them and put them under their own tree.

Local dignitaries and Santa launch the Giving Tree charity initiative.

It's one of those things that reminds you what Christmas is actually supposed to be about. Not the stress or the overspending or the endless to-do lists, but making sure every child feels that bit of magic.

A festive launch with all the feels

The tree was officially switched on last Thursday evening (December 4th) in a ceremony that had all the Christmas spirit you could ask for. The Scoil Mhuire Na nGrást National School Belgooly choir sang, local councillors turned up to show support and Santa himself made an appearance. Because obviously.

Eoghan Murphy, General Manager of the Cork International Hotel, spoke about how much the initiative means to the team. "This is a very special initiative for the entire team at the Cork International Hotel and it's great to see the Giving Tree back in the hotel lobby," he said. "The giving tree is an annual celebration that we first set up in 2012 and it's always a pleasure to work with the team at Saint Vincent De Paul. It's especially nice to help put a smile on the faces of children around the festive season."

He also made a point of asking hotel guests to get involved if they're staying over the coming weeks. And honestly, if you're there for a night away or a festive meal, grabbing a tag and picking up a small gift is such an easy way to make a real difference.

Why it matters more than ever

We all know the cost of living has been brutal. Childcare, groceries, heating bills… it all adds up. For families already on the edge financially, Christmas can feel impossible rather than magical. And while we're all out here trying to make it work with our own stretched budgets, it's worth remembering there are parents who genuinely can't afford to give their kids a present.

That's what makes initiatives like the Giving Tree so important. It's not flashy or complicated. It's just people helping people in the most practical, tangible way. A toy. A pair of pyjamas. Something small that says "you're not forgotten."

SVP does incredible work year-round but the pressure they're under at Christmas is huge. Every bit of support helps lighten the load, and schemes like this mean the charity can focus their resources where they're needed most while the community rallies around to help with gifts.

How you can help

If you're in Cork and want to get involved, the Giving Tree is in the lobby of the Cork International Hotel. Pop in, grab a tag and buy something suitable for the child's age. You don't need to spend a fortune. Even something small can mean the world to a family who thought Christmas wasn't going to happen this year.

And if you can't make it to the hotel, SVP always needs donations and volunteers. Whether it's a financial contribution or your time, it all makes a difference.

It's easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of our own Christmas chaos. The school concerts, the packed weekends, the endless lists. But taking a moment to help another family have a proper Christmas? That's the kind of thing that actually makes the season feel meaningful.