ASYLUM SEEKERS CHRISTMAS PARTY
A LARGE crowd gathered at the Courtown Hotel to enjoy festive celebrations with the resident asylum seekers who all got to experience a traditional Irish Christmas, with a special appearance from Santa Clause himself.
For most living in the emergency accommodation centre, it was their first time to experience those traditions and all agreed that it was a special event for families to enjoy.
Hotel manager, Nicola Morris said that there is now talk of making it an annual event.
‘We had about 60 people from the general public as well as the residents and it was absolutely amazing. Everyone was so happy to be there and some residents had never witnessed anything like it before’.
Staff at the hotel decided to arrange the party to bring people together, and local volunteers helped with the organising of a local Santa as well as a Christmas hamper.
‘Riverchapel Ladies Club dropped us in a hamper full of sweets and festive gifts. We had a carol service to start with and then a three course meal, with everything that you’d expect to have on Christmas Day from turkey and ham to roast beef, soups and salads.
‘We had about 12 different desserts, and after Santa gave out the presents we had a disco so it was quite the party,’ said Nicola.
Members of the Ardamine Riverchapel Courtown Development Group who attended the event thanked the residents for making them feel so welcome, as well as Riverchapel Ladies Club and New 2 Gorey for their donations.