Cooley market donates €10,000 to the Birches

THE organisers of the recent Cooley Christmas market wish to thank all who helped in any way to make this fundraising event for the Birches such a fantastic success. €10,100 was raised on the day.

From early morning, eager shoppers gathered waiting for the doors of the hall to open to the sale of the century. Shoppers waited in anticipation as flurries of ladies were arriving, laden down with a wide array of freshly baked breads, scones, tarts and pastries taken straight from their ovens that morning. The aroma of fresh baking filled the air as the doors opened at 9 am. Bargain hunters surely must have felt in paradise as they viewed the stalls, filled to the brim with donations, knowing that every item would be sold, and no reasonable offer would be refused.

The home bakery stall very quickly became a hive of activity, with dozens of Christmas cakes and puddings being sold in record time. The hall was gaily decorated, bright Christmas lights bringing a certain magic to each stall.

Eager volunteers stood waiting, wearing red santa hats, they were keen to sell all of the donations. With a spark in their eye to match the twinkle of the decorations, they unknowingly created an electric jolly atmosphere for all who came to the market. Bargains were in abundance, a warm winter would be secured as bags of coal and logs quickly went out the door. There was something for everybody at the market – stalls selling jams, chutneys, free range eggs, vintage delph, furniture, toys, preloved clothes and a wide variety of bric a brac. Children’s laughter rang out as they tried their hand at lucky dip, sampling candy from the sweet trolly, and bought good quality toys at unreal prices. Many were left in awe as they viewed the bright Christmas stall, filled to the brim with such a wide variety of lights, handmade decorations, and Christmas trees all of which had been donated.

Cooley is blessed to have a very rare commodity – their very own Mrs Christmas. Dressed in all her bright red attire, Mrs Claus had a warm welcome for all in her Christmas themed kitchen. Assisted by her team of elves, tea, coffee, and hot chocolate was enjoyed by many weary shoppers. For the young shoppers there was a free KooKee to be enjoyed from Mrs Claus as she listened to what they wanted from Santa.

Lots of people who came to Cooley Christmas market walked away knowing that this world is a pretty amazing place. They had experienced a market with a difference where many small acts of kindness came together, creating the potential to turn a life around. We can never underestimate the ripple effect of small actions in this world.

Thanks to the wonderful support received, €10,100 was raised and donated to The Birches Alzheimer Day Care Centre. Funds have been provided in order that the great work of The Birches will continue – shaking hands will gently be held as the ultimate care is given. Beautiful acts of human kindness often go unnoticed. Those blessed to see them know that they are witnessing God working at His best.

The organisers of the market which to express their deepest thanks to everybody who travelled from near and far to buy goods. Thanks to all the kind people who filled the stalls with an abundance of donations. Thanks to the many bakers who created such a mouth watering display of freshly baked goods. Thanks to the many business’s who donated all of the ingredients for the Christmas cakes and puddings.

Thank you to the Cooley Kickhams GFC for the use of their kitchen facilities for the Christmas baking. Thank you to everybody who donated prizes for the draw, to those who sold tickets, and to those who bought tickets. A big thank you to the many people who helped in the hall on the day. Thanks to The Argus newspaper for providing the market with much needed publicity.

The market was the coming together of an entire community, who deeply appreciate the excellent facility which is The Birches. People bound together by a common desire – to ensure that care and understanding will always be available for those who live their lives with Alzheimer’s disease.

As we welcome the season of Christmas and prepare to bid goodbye to 2016, we quietly take time to appreciate that the true meaning of Christmas is still very much alive in our busy world of today.