There are only three weeks to make this happen.

A local woman is appealing to the public to help her raise enough money to give every child in Cork direct provision centres a Christmas present this year.

Kinsale-based mum Ciara McDonnell was struck by the difference between her family and those in direct provision, and set up a Christmas fundraiser for children in the Kinsale Road direct provision centre.

There are almost 300 children living in direct provision in Cork. They are split between centres in Kinsale Road, Glounthaune, Clonakilty, Millstreet and Mallow.

Most of them share a single room with their families, living on an allowance of €21.60 per person per week.

In just a couple of weeks, over €11,000 has been raised to allow mothers in direct provision to purchase a €50 gift for their own children this year, but they aren’t finished yet.

Lilly Higgins and Deirdre O’Shaughnessy raised over €5,000 for residents of the Ashbourne House centre in Glounthaune, while in Clonakilty, make-up artist Siobhan O’Mahony raised funds for the 46 children in the centre there.

But one centre still needs donations to ensure Santa comes to every child.

“Now we want to help the families living at Millstreet.” says Hazel.

“It’s a big ask. There are 144 children living at the centre, so we will need all the help we can get, but I have no doubt that Cork will come together and help us get there.”

To donate what you can to the appeal, visit the Go Fund Me page.