Gorey Guardian

Christmas crackers in Courtown with Seal Rescue’s sustainabl­e market

- By CATHY LEE

COURTOWN’S Seal Rescue Ireland got festive when it hosted a Sustainabl­e Christmas Market, which saw visitors enjoy some refreshmen­ts which they interacted with local sustainabl­e vendors to chat about Christmas gifts as well as enjoy eco-workshops and activities for children and adults alike.

The sellers had stalls full of Christmas wreaths, home baking, decoration­s, soaps and toiletries, jewellery and much more which really got people into the spirit of things.

Unfortunat­ely a planned release had to be cancelled due to stormy conditions.

Establishe­d in 2010, Seal Rescue Ireland now manages a network of over 900 volunteers from all over Ireland, who help to rescue, transport and rehabilita­te a growing number of native common and grey seal pups each year, with the ultimate goal of returning them fit and healthy back to the wild.

Earlier this year the team held its first sustainabl­e market, and encouraged vendors to come on board to show people that there are sustainabl­e and environmen­tally friendly alternativ­es available to them.

‘Our aim is to promote sustainabl­e living and ocean conservati­on as well as fundraisin­g for our rescue centre, and the market style event with the Sustainabl­e Christmas Market was a perfect opportunit­y,’ said a spokespers­on for the charity.

‘We hosted vendors selling great sustainabl­e crafts and products and it was a real family fun day with lots of kid activities and a great market atmosphere.

Looking ahead to Christmas week, Seal Rescue Ireland will be closed from Tuesday, December 24 to Thursday, December 26.

‘Our rescue hotline will remain open for seal rescues, so please don’t hesitate to contact us if you find a seal in distress on 087 1955393,’ the spokespers­on said.

 ??  ?? Ric Murawski, Mini Coffee Company with Sinead Fox and her daughter Laoise.
Ric Murawski, Mini Coffee Company with Sinead Fox and her daughter Laoise.
 ??  ?? David Rath with his son Aian.
Jennifer O’Sullivan with her daughter Isla.
David Rath with his son Aian. Jennifer O’Sullivan with her daughter Isla.
 ??  ?? Mia Walsh and Caoimhe Radford selling wild flower seed.
Mia Walsh and Caoimhe Radford selling wild flower seed.

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