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09th Oct 2024

Children’s Health Foundation urges public to support ‘Trick or Treat for Sick Children’ campaign

Sophie Collins

The Children’s Health Foundation is calling on individuals, families, schools, and community groups across Ireland to join in the fun of the ‘Trick or Treat for Sick Children’ campaign this Halloween. 

Now in its 24th year, this heartwarming initiative has raised crucial funds to support sick children nationwide, making a real difference in their lives and the care they receive.

For parents, few things are as terrifying as having a child in the hospital. The comfort of knowing their child is receiving the very best medical attention, supported by life-saving equipment, can be a small but vital source of solace during such difficult times.

For Maria, mother of Méabh, the importance of this support became all too real when her three-year-old daughter was diagnosed with a brain tumour. 

Méabh spent a total of 30 weeks receiving treatment at Children’s Health Ireland at Temple Street.

Reflecting on their time in the hospital, Maria said: “Even though it was so lonely at times, you were never alone. 

“There was always someone there to pick you up. We will be forever grateful for the amazing people inside Children’s Health Ireland at Temple Street. There are no words to describe just how wonderful the staff are. 

“They are so patient, caring, and truly invested in their patients. Every day they go above and beyond to ensure those in their care are so well minded.”

By hosting a Trick or Treat party, you can help raise much-needed funds that go directly towards purchasing world-class equipment, providing therapeutic services such as play, music, and pet therapy, and offering essential support to families of long-term patients. 

Whether you gather your pupils, friends, family, or colleagues, every effort helps sick children get the care and support they need.

Those interested in participating can sign up at www.childrenshealth.ie/trickortreat, where they will receive a special Trick or Treat party pack. 

The pack includes stickers, bunting, posters, a collection box, and a themed tablecloth – everything you need to throw a fun-filled party while supporting a great cause.

Fionnuala O’Leary, Chief Executive of Children’s Health Foundation, emphasised the impact of the campaign: “We are delighted to be launching this hugely successful campaign once again. 

“We are very grateful to all our Trick or Treaters nationwide who support this fantastic campaign each year. 

“The involvement of so many schools, crèches, families, communities, and workplaces across Ireland demonstrates just how much people care about sick and injured children in our country. 

“Thank you all – you are truly making a difference in the lives of the hundreds of thousands of children who come through the doors of Children’s Health Ireland hospitals and urgent care centres every year. 

“We are also immensely grateful to MiWadi for their continued incredible support each year.”

Alison Curtis, who has supported the campaign for several years, echoed this sentiment: “This will be my third year supporting Trick or Treat for Sick Children, and I can’t think of a greater cause. 

“Please, I urge you, if you’ve never supported this incredible campaign before, let this be the first of many.”

Whether big or small, every effort makes a difference in the lives of children who need it most.

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