A new range of Christmas cards designed by children living in a direct provision centre in Portlaoise was launched today (24.11.21) by not-for-profit organisation SCOOP Foundation. The range includes five different Christmas cards, designed by children aged 3-13, with proceeds from the initiative going towards helping to bring Christmas to the residents in direct provision centres in Ireland, by providing them with a Christmas meal and gifts, as well as clothes, toiletries and other basic necessities.
The funds will also support the charity’s SCOOP Ed project, which provides educational programmes for young people living in direct provision centres in Ireland and in the Bajed Kandala camp in Iraq, including in music production, job-seeking skills and mindfulness.
Commenting on the launch of the ‘From direct provision, for direct provision’ Christmas cards, Andy Sweeney, co-founder of SCOOP Foundation, said, “Most of us are lucky enough to spend Christmas surrounded by family and friends, to have the excitement of opening presents and putting up our decorations – but that’s not the case for everyone, particularly for people living in direct provision centres. So, we’re asking people this Christmas, instead of buying those special people in your life more things that they don’t need or want, why not get them a card, make a donation and help those trapped in the direct provision system.
“We are thrilled to see the Christmas card designs that the kids living in the direct provision centre in Portlaoise have created. This project is all about bringing the joy and spirit of Christmas to the direct provision centre where they are living, and others across the country. By supporting this project, people will be helping to achieve this.”
Where can I purchase the cards?
Digital and print versions of the cards are available via the SCOOP website, with a number of different options on offer to suit all budgets, including a corporate option for businesses or workplaces.
Printed cards are available in packs of five for €30 or fifteen for €50, or individually for €10 each.
There are three tiers of Christmas card e-packages available that are geared at businesses. Upon receiving the digital e-card, the business can then send it to an unlimited number of recipients.
- Option 1: Includes your choice of card design and the addition of your company’s logo. (Cost: €250.)
- Option 2: Includes your choice of card design, the addition of your company’s logo and a customised message. (Cost: €500.)
Option 3: Includes your choice of card design, the addition of your company’s logo, a customised message and a talk from co-founders Calvin and Andy Sweeney about the work of SCOOP Foundation. (Cost: €1000.)
The Christmas cards can be ordered at the SCOOP Foundation’s online shop at https://scoopfoundation.org/shop, or email orders and enquiries to katie@scoopfoundation.org.
