This Christmas, thousands of children across Ireland will wake up in International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) centres, far from home, far from family, and far from the sense of safety every child deserves.

Many of these children have fled war, conflict, hunger, or persecution. They have crossed borders and oceans hoping to reach a place where they can simply grow, learn, play and dream again.

But recently, what they’ve been met with are protests, hostility, and messages of “you’re not welcome.” Instead of hearing joy and laughter, many hear fear. Instead of seeing decorations and celebration, they see people shouting outside their windows.

No child should carry that weight.

No child should face hate.

Not at Christmas. Not ever.

What this campaign is about:

This fundraiser is about something simple and deeply human: showing solidarity, compassion, and love to children who feel forgotten.

Your donation will help Every Child Is Your Child (ECIYC) provide:

Christmas gifts that remind children they are cherished

Warm clothing and essentials for the winter months

Care packages with messages of hope and welcome

Small moments of joy that every child deserves

Why this matters now?

At a time when hate is being shouted loudly, this campaign is our collective whisper of love.

A reminder that:

• Ireland’s heart is larger than fear

• Compassion outweighs cruelty

• And the true spirit of Christmas is belonging, generosity, and humanity

These children will remember kindness.

They will remember the people who reached out.

They will remember that strangers chose love over hate.

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✨ How you can help

Donate what you can, even the smallest gift becomes part of something bigger.

Share the campaign with friends, local groups, workplaces, and community networks.

Spread the message that every child deserves joy and hope this Christmas.

Every euro raised goes directly to helping families living in IPAS accommodation.

How funds will be used

• Purchasing Christmas gifts, toys, books, and bundles

• Warm clothing (coats, hats, gloves, pyjamas)

• Toiletries and essentials for families

• Wrapping supplies, transport and delivery to IPAS centres

• Special gestures (gift vouchers for parents, festive treats, etc.)