It’s the season of giving.

Despite a challenging year with more ups and downs than most of us care to remember, the spirit of generosity is alive and well in Cork this Christmas.

Kind-hearted folk from all over the city and county will be hitting the streets this weekend to raise funds and collect gift and food donations for those most in need.

They’re not asking for any grand gestures – just what you can afford. As Oscar Wild once said, the smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention.

Here are three events you can pay it forward at in the coming days:

HOT CHOCOLATE AT ELECTRIC, SOUTH MALL

Sunday, December 6th: 3pm – 8pm, Electric, South Mall

With the bar and restaurant closed this Christmas due to Covid-19 restrictions, Electric has put their Christmas decoration budget towards a truly lovely fundraiser to support Saint Vincent de Paul.

“As we can’t have Santa outside in the RedFM Bus this year, we are trying to support SVP Ireland in another way.” owner Ernest Cantillon posted on Twitter.

“If you are coming into town to shop or look at that lights this Sunday, swing by for a mulled wine or hot chocolate on us and leave a donation if you can.”

CHRISTMAS GIFT COLLECTION 

Abolish Direct Provision: Choice of locations

Abolish Direct Provision are holding a Christmas Gift Drive in a number of Cork locations this weekend. From colouring books, costumes and art sets for infants to footballs, Lego and toy cars for older kids, you can drop a gift off to be given to a child in need at the following spots this weekend:

• Cuskinny, Cobh: Thursday, December 3rd: 3pm- 8pm
• East Village Car Park: Friday, December 4th, 6pm-8pm
• Coal Quay, Cork: Saturday, December 5th, 11am-4pm
• Himalaya Yoga, Ballincollig: Monday, December 7th, 4pm-8pm

Visit Facebook for a list of suitable gifts if you need some ideas.

FOOD DRIVE 

Saturday, December 5th: 10am-1pm, Perrott’s Inch Car Park near UCC

Cork North Central SocDems are organising a Food Drive to support the extraordinary work of Penny Dinners in Cork City. Penny Dinners ensure there is always a hot meal or snack and social support in a non-judgemental environment for anyone who needs it.

On Saturday, December 5th you can donate food and cleaning items for Penny Dinners from 10am-1pm at Perrott’s Inch car park near University College Cork. For those who are unable to contribute due to distance, family or work commitments, you can donate here (all funds raised will be used to purchase additional goods for the charity.