This is a lovely festive gesture.

Almost 50 Cork charities and community groups will benefit from funding from Thermo Fisher Scientific’s €50,000 community partnership grant.

Among the local deserving projects announced today by the Currabinny-based global life sciences company are Cork City Missing Persons Search and Recovery; Covers of Comfort, a group who knit and crochet covers for those going through chemotherapy; and Shine Centre for Autism.

Originally set at €45,000, the Thermo Fisher Scientific Community Partnership Grant was increased to over €50,000 due to the calibre of applicants.

The sizeable gift, divided between local community groups in Cork’s Lower Harbour along with charitable causes close to the hearts of employees, celebrates a double anniversary — Thermo Fisher Scientific’s first anniversary since acquiring the Currabinny facility and the 45-year legacy of the site where it now stands.

“Each of the chosen recipients brings about real change and make a tangible impact with what they do,” said Des Burke, Director of Finance at Thermo Fisher Scientific.

The local causes include ten family and children’s resource groups Carrigaline Family Support Centre, Alex’s Adventure, Mahon Family Resource Centre, Crosshaven Active Retired, Ringaskiddy ARA, YMCA, Carrigaline Men’s Shed, Carrigaline Choral Group, Owenabue Brownies, and 55th Cork Carrigaline Scout Group.