No. 75 [email protected] Dublin 4th April - 5th April 2009 www.sunshinehouse.ie PRICELESS

HERE COMES

NowTHE more than ever we tion that provides holidaySUNSHINESUNSHINE breaks for For almost 75 years the Fund has that they enjoy so much. last them a lifetime. thousands of children from disadvan- been there to give children in need a However, funding is constantly need- On behalf of the children’s behalf, a need your help! taged areas around Dublin. break from the dangers and stresses of ed to maintain the facilities in the Recession, current climate, sincere THANK YOU! Last year, nearly 1,300 children daily life. house and grounds, and to stock up on We fully intend to invite another economic downturn, credit enjoyed week-long breaks and over Despite the many changes the food, clothing and the other essential 1,300 and more children to holiday in crunch…these are just some of 230 children were in invited to Christ- house and grounds have witnessed supplies for the summer. the words used to describe the mas parties in SUNSHINE HOUSE, Bal- over the decades, our goals have Sunshine house this summer and Contribution with your charitable support of time financial setbacks most of the briggan. always remained the same. Generosity The children’s well being is still our top Also, with your continued support, and money we know that can be pos- country has been experiencing priority and because of that each child we have improved some of the play sible. It is now more than ever we since late last year. This year we have more and more knows they are in a secure and loving equipment in the near field, and we need your support. For most of us the days of careless children coming to our attention as environment. have implemented much needed Especially in this ‘current climate’, spending are long gone. Forget job their family financial circumstances The children’s daily activities refurbishments of the downstairs toi- we implore you to continue your spir- security, 09 cars, multiple foreign change. haven’t changed much either, visits to let block. holidays and long weekend breaks. Were it not for your continued gen- the sandy beach in the mornings, Your contribution today will not it of generosity by giving to The Sun- All of us are making sacrifices and erosity and support we would not be afternoon treasure hunts, shopping in only provide some child with a happy shine Fund today as you have done so feeling the pinch. in a position to offer these children a the local town and crab hunting still week by the seaside but will provide often in the past. The Sunshine Fund is an organisa- place on our holiday programme. form a big part of the holiday package happy memories that will hopefully Happy Easter! GIVE THE HOLIDAYOF A LIFETIME 8198430/81984318198430/8198431 Lines open Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th April, and RING NOW TO SUBSCRIBE BY CREDIT CARD every Tuesday and Wednesday evening. 2

WE’RENext year SunshineREELING House ally followed the same pattern; down you, so there!’ the back way, across level crossing, I knew she wouldn’t, but you’ve got to celebrates 75 years of joy saunter across the wooden walkway try, haven’t you? … and happiness. over the viaduct to the front strand, Rock pools appear as the tide slowly Who can reckon all the crabs along to the path past the tower and ebbs away and as our timing on this down to the old bathhouse. warm Saturday morning is right, there that have been caught, all the My Nan Calow used to tell me how she will be many for us to explore. goals that have been scored, all liked to take seaweed baths down there But what will we find? Well let’s see… the singing and dancing talent in the thirties. God, the thought of any- First of all there are thousands of on display, all the sand castles in one paying good money to sit in a bath baby crabs scurrying sideways trying to of sea-weed was beyond my comprehen- find a bit of wet sand to hide in for a their variety baffling the judges. sion for it sounds like some kind of tor- few hours. Them crabs must be daft Every year, every week is differ- ture to me! But she said it was good for leaving it so late to find shelter. If you ent yet the timeless wonder of rheumatism, and, well it must have creep up, you might just see a dab set- childhood remains largely the been, for she definitely had it. tling down in the sand at the bottom of same. Escaped deep pool. Mind you, you’ve got to be careful on those rocks for only a few I was reminded of this when long On this first part of the walk we’d pass minutes ago they were under the water and lanky JP sent me the reminis- groups of nuns taking in the wonderful and are very wet and covered in sea- cences of Roger Turner writing air. I often wonder what them nuns did weed. about his visit to “Baller” in the all day in that convent? It can’t be very Seaweed again! Why didn’t Nan Calow fifties. True, he was an English boy nice for they never looked very happy to come and sit in one them pools full of over from Sheffield with his Mum on me. Maybe they had escaped and got seaweed? Grown-ups are very strange their annual visit to ‘Auntie Eileen’ caught. when you are only a little kid! and not a resident of Sunshine Our Pat won’t be too happy either, I suppose she might have been scared House itself. Still his world was, and because I’ll soon be telling her I’m tired of them horrid jellyfish. Our Pat told is, the world of the Sunshiners: and ask if she’ll carry me. I know what me, if they stung you you’d die. Bit like “I loved that coastal walk and despite she’ll say… But that’s what big sisters being kissed by a big sister then! Any- the fact of we children having little legs are for: winding up. way, I’ll not chance either, and I’d give we would set off at a brisk pace. My ‘My legs are tired, Pat,’ I would say. ‘If any jellyfish I see a bash with me little mother, being in far from the best of me dad was here he would put me on spade. health, was usually well behind us with his shoulders for a ride!’ Not brave enough to do the same with Auntie Eileen, still chatting away. It usu- Our Pat would give me the dead eye. our Pat though... ‘Well he’s not here, and I’m not carrying Anyway to get back to the rock pools, 3

it’s not just little crabs and dabs you It wouldn’t have been the first time our bour where several seals were scroung- an IT worker, an middle-aged woman BACKfind. One year I came across a bloody Pat went to bed to find one THElying in wait ing fish. The previous year MacKenzie YEARSwho was off for a year as a volunteer to great conger eel at the bottom of one of under the sheets. ‘MUM!’ she would yell was only the ghost of a man who had Uganda at the end of the week and a those deep pools. It looked dead, so I at the top her voice. ‘Tell him to give jumped off the spire of St George’s woman marine biologist who had spent poked it with a length of driftwood. over!’ Church and had no brother, never mind some years tagging sharks off Hon- Big mistake! Ha! Ha! It was worth a crack from a boat. duras. It jumped up out of the water, gnash- Mum. Traditions over seventy five years The week is so full you tend to forget ing its teeth at me. I don’t know who ‘Come on you children,’ Mother would have smoothened the task of running a the outside world while you are there. was most startled, him or me. I fell call from miles in front of us. ‘Let’s put a week in Sunshine. The running of any Kids can make as much noise as they backward and dropped the driftwood stone on the Sailor’s Grave’ seven days is the product of the week’s like most of the time. One favourite of plank on him at the same time as the How did they get so far ahead of us? personalities, adults and children. The theirs is to yell out “Game Ball” when conger’s nose hit rock under my feet Explanation “old hands” among the stewards and the head-Steward calls out “How’s yes and fell back in the pool. Never been children show the newcomers the ropes. auld’ wan?” after lunch. In retrospect shines again fond of conger eels ever since. I know it’s what we do. What I don’t The basic rules are not negotiable, the custom became poignant for me. TODAY’S edition of The Advocate, Now starfish, they’re good sports.They know is why we do it? Life’s like that. everything else is. Adults and kids During the week that I was there my old for the THIRTEENTH year, has been just lie there waiting for the tide to When you are little, you are told to do arrive and immediately old friendships class mate, Ronnie Drew, died designed and printed by the staff of come chasing back up the shore. You something without any explanation as are revived among those who have met unknowns to me. Ronnie made the the Sunday World. could scoop them into your net and they to why. Still, it’s good fun. One day there before. “Hey, Sister, I hope you’re question famous and I like to think that This is not an easy job and takes wouldn’t be bothered in the slightest. someone will tell kids who the sailor in our dorm this year.” he chuckled to hear the kids. hours of dedicated work, Crabs, on the other hand, became was, and why he is buried under a pile Sunshine is not just a “hollier” for the Great gas all undertaken on a vol- most angry when scooped up. There of stone miles from nowhere. Maybe kids, the stewards relish the prospects untary basis. used to be an old fella called Paddy Mum did tell me but it was on one of within their own gang. The kids love it Part of the fun is the things The company itself Doherty, who rowed out to Cardy Rocks them days I wasn’t listening. I was very when they see the stewards are having that the kids say. Charlie, provides the facility, most days to check his lobster pots. His good at not listening some times! Our fun among themselves and enjoy their aged 8, was playing the old publishing and printing old dog would come for the ride and Pat once told me that it was the site of own stay more. One dorm put on a soldier and grouching. A Sis- of the paper free of never bothered about the lobsters. But shipwreck where all the sailors died. clever play sending up the personalities ter gave him a flower to cheer charge! if Paddy took a crab from a pot that dog Well, if that’s the case, then where are of the stewards to universal delight. him up. “Now the bees will be From the Sunshine went crazy and would rip the poor crab the other sailors buried?”…. Last year we were the usual exotic after me.” I am slightly older Fund and thousands of into pieces. It turned out that it once It still all there – the crabs, the bunch: a fun-loving Dublin granny, a red than Sunshine. A young Dublin’s disadvantaged got bit by a crab and never forgot it. requests for piggy backs, the Sailor’s haired freckled colleen from a credit ‘admirer’ commented “Hey, children, a very big No, the trouble with crabs is that they Grave. However some of the legends union, a Gospel choir singer, a compe- Brother, your voice is 20 years THANK YOU. get aggressive at the slightest provoca- and traditions have grown over the tent young woman tax consultant, a younger than your body.” If I tion and sometimes are liable to attack years. Last year the boat belonging to child protection social worker, a retired can manage why not come and first and ask questions later. Mind you, the brother of the mysterious MacKen- economist, a teacher from Donegal, a join us. It’s great gas! crabs were great for scaring big sisters. zie was pointed out to me in the har- building contractor, a banker, a nurse, 4 NOTES FROM THE VOLUNTEERS “Summer was approaching and so was Sunshine season. And I really hoped I could do a week. “My current plans changed and here I was with a free week. Within hours, I was booked onto week 12. What a week it was. A group of children, itching to be let loose and be kids. Dreaming about playing football, going shopping, listening to bed time stories, going to the disco… “A group of volunteers, from different walks of life, gelled together and did a fantastic job. “Everyone found his or her niche. For some it was the sea and water, others loved the sand and the creations being made; for others it was the disco, a chance to let the hair down and join in the dancing. After the disco came the prize-giving for that day’s competitions. There was a sense of excitement and anticipation as their names were being called out. “They collected their prizes for building sandcastles, collecting crabs and all the other activities from the day. And as the “It’s week progressed, new friends were found and football and basketball teams learnt to get on and work together, with their the whole experience, instead managers, who encouraged everyone, big and little. of being in your own zone you get a week “And for those who win, there is the added joy of being called up after the last dinner to collect to their medals to give a child a new look on things and have a and trophies. The whole week is made of fun, joy, happiness, dry weather and laugher. laugh with those on the week. Look out for another, and “I want to say a huge thank you to the children for the wonderful memories and the funny things they learn your own strengths. taught me. And also to the other volunteers, who made the week possible. Thank you.” Events that stand out for me are the visit to the pound By Salome Rush shop…once a girl bought a huge toffee sweet and while eating it pulled out three of her baby teeth! The build up to the final matches is electric. The plays…the effort some put into it is just great! The “When banter between the stewards. your day comes and One story I can recall was of a really shy traveller, I was on you pack your bags and entertainment and I called her to one side and for conversation wave goodbye to this world I said why don’t u dance on stage …well she was thrilled nobody will care about the extra and performed brilliantly later that night ...she was a hours you put in at the office and new woman and it was great to see!” nobody will care what car you drove either. However what some kids may remember is By Anne Marie the summer they spent with some people crazy enough to think they can raise the level of love and understanding in this world. Dance in the disco, referee the world cup, make a few sandcastles, lose some sleep and meet some exceptional people along the way, and when your day comes as it sure- ly will, this is what you will remem- ber....Sunshine over Balbriggan.”

By Vardan “What a FAN- TASTIC organisation to be involved in where both children and volun- teers get to smile year round of their very fond memories of their summer holiday in Sunshine House!”

By Marie 5

WEWE OWEOWE ITIT TOTO OUROUR KIDSKIDS TOTO RIDERIDE OUTOUT RECESSIONRECESSION Every now and then I meet I am writing this in the context of ris- many of us fell so easily into the trap to drive it.). ing unemployment and falling of buying “stuff” for the kids as an Our value to our children lies in love, people who grew up in incomes. expression of love. care and guidance and not in how many households where there For parents who have seen their It’s easy enough to do when they’re sun holidays we can bring them on in a household incomes squeezed or satisfied with what you get them in the year. was little by way of an slashed, I think it is important to pound shop. But before long branded Doing this in hard times involves keep- income. Perhaps jobs were understand that money does not neces- clothes and electronic gadgetry ing up our own morale. This is not just a scarce or only low-paid sarily dictate whether your children becomes important - and increasingly platitude. By maintaining a positive atti- have an emotionally sound upbringing. costly. And we all fall in line and pay tude, you can immediately improve the work was available. I don’t want to be patronising or glib up as the most ruthless marketeers in whole experience of your family and at And yet, they tell me, we did- about this. First of all, money matters the world flog expensive products to no extra cost. n’t really feel poor. We knew at the most practical level if you are children which they plan to make obso- Love struggling to make ends meet and it is lete, in a social sense, within months. there wasn’t much money but truly important that we maintain fami- When the financial tap is turned off Whatever happens, let’s always remem- our parents managed to provide ly supports during this recession. or slows to a trickle, we can feel very ber those families raised in the past the basics. Shock distressed indeed if we imagine that when times were hard, there was little These people grew up in families our ability to buy ‘stuff’ forms part of money and jobs were scarce - but in where there was love and a sense of Of course money matters. Of course our value as parents. which parents maintained a loving and obligation on the part of their par- the transition from breadwinner to the So I guess the first thing we parents caring attitude which their now adult ents. labour exchange is shocking. need to do in this times is to stop children remember with admiration. But there’s more to you as a parent thinking as though we’re living in an No matter what has happened to you or I have met others who had a miser- than that.You’re supportive and, if you me in the financial storms blowing able childhood in reasonably ‘comfort- episode of My Super Sweet Sixteen (a can manage it, cheerful presence will TV series about rich spoilt girls’ six- around the economy, we need to go able’ households in which there was lit- mean a great deal more to your chil- around with our heads high. Not alone tle love or in which one or both parents teenth birthdays which inevitably dren than the amount of stuff you can involve parental nonsense like buying does it not cost anything to do but it pro- Padraig O’Morain’s book Like a Man - failed to live up to their obligations to buy them. vides a priceless lesson to the next gen- a guide to men’s emotional wellbeing their children. your 16-year-old a new Lexus for her It’s remarkable to think today of how birthday even though she’s too young eration. is published by Veritas. 6 BRIGHTEN UP OUR

CHILDREN’SWelcome to this year’s edition of the Advocate. LIVES Thank you for your valued and continued support. Many of you will have followed the fortunes of the Sunshine Fund over the years and you will be pleased to know that, even after eighty years, there is still enormous energy and dedication committed to ensuring that Sunshine House and the holiday programme for children is the best possible on offer. With no Government funding, we are an organisation totally fund- ed by you. Central to all our work A MESSAGE FROM is to ensure that as many children TJ FLEMMING as possible are offered quality, safe PRESIDENT OF THE and enjoyable holidays each sum- mer. To do this, we need your con- SUNSHINE FUND tinued support. Support for our work comes in aged by volunteers, the members of many forms. Today you will have the Fund fully appreciate the time contributed to the church gate col- and commitment required. We lection. Many of you will, thankful- appreciate how busy people are ly, respond to our appeal today and and how difficult it is to give time. offer much needed additional sup- But the reality is that if we wish to port, by sponsoring or making a have a better society, wish to help contribution to the cost of a child’s families less fortunate than our holiday. We thank you for remain- ing faithful to us. own, wish to make a contribution, The success of the Sunshine then it is a task that cannot be left Fund results from the dedicated to others. work of volunteers since it was That is the challenge, not just for established in 1928. Like so many organisations like the Sunshine Fund other branches of the Society of St to recruit, but for every man and Vincent de Paul, they have been women to be prepared to act, to offer motivated by the need to take their skills and get involved. So action to make a better life for chil- much can be achieved by bringing a dren. few people working together. Thankfully, the Fund is continu- Accessible ally blessed with people of skill, intel- Every year the Fund has taken ligence, motivation and understand- steps to improve its facilities. Over ing to manage its affairs and to ensure that our work is continually the past year we have continued to improved. Their hours of service over do this. The year 2008 saw the the past year and the years to come replacement of bathrooms con- are a truly wonderful gift to the structed in the 1940’s by new mod- many families affected by our work. ern facilities suitable for the needs It is also essential to mark the of today’s boys and girls. support of the men, women, chil- Additionally, we have tried to dren and families who are manag- ensure that Sunshine House is ing the Advocate Collection over this accessible for people with more weekend. limited mobility. I hope they will be rewarded for Over the past couple of years their loyalty and work over the past we have added new features to our few weeks by a bumper collection playground, upgraded our playing today. We sincerely thank you for surfaces, and continued to add and your service and for the hard work update features so that our many you have undertaken on our behalf. young guests have a wonderful hol- The collection could not hap- iday experience. pen without the contribution of the None of this would be possible priests, parish workers and church without your support. authorities of the Archdiocese. The next year will be of enor- mous importance for children in Fantastic Ireland. The debate around Holidays at Sunshine House enshrining the rights of all children can only happen with the many vol- in our Constitution is only begin- unteers that come forward each ning. summer. Eight children can be Children, their rights, and how invited on holidays for every volun- we as a society care for them will teer who comes forward. A full become centre stage. A significant complement of volunteers enables number of children still live in fam- ninety to one hundred boys and ilies affected by poverty, many have girls to enjoy a week long holiday in little access to safe spaces to play Sunshine House. and some do not benefit from edu- Over the past few years we have cation. been lucky to have attracted many Let’s hope that the forthcoming people with fantastic skills and debate will enable concrete action ability. However, like so many vol- to be taken to address these many unteering ventures, we find it issues. increasingly difficult to attract and Finally, you can never say retain volunteers. thanks too often. Thank you all for Increasingly, men appear very whatever way you have supported reluctant to volunteer for work that the Sunshine Fund. involves children. I hope you will have a wonderful As an organisation totally man- Easter and forthcoming summer. 7

This year, as in previous years, the Sunshine Fund is happy to acknowledge the gifts of nearly 400 separate donations dur- ing the calendar year 2008 totally some €126,000. We recognise that for many of you, your gift represents a real sacrifice in sup- port of the boys and girls who visit Sunshine House for holidays. Together EXTRA RAY OF with the Advocate collection, the funds donated are the means by which we can provide one of the finest centres in Ireland for children to enjoy a safe and quality holiday. Those people and organisations that support our work year in and year out enable us to succeed in our important mission. This year we expect that our services will be more in demand than in recent years. We will put on additional holidays, and with the help of our wonderful volunteers, we aim to SUNSHINE CAN offer at least 250 more holidays in 2009 that in 2008. In the past two years alone we have invest- ed over €400,000 in upgrading and improving our facilities in Sunshine House. Thankfully, this was all made possible by your continued support. The Sunshine Fund does not receive State support for the important work that we do so the part you play in providing the boys and girls with holidays and facilities of super quality is truly remarkable. On behalf of the boys and girls who visit Sunshine House and the many hundreds of volunteers BRING HOPE who make it all possible, we thank you and hope you are able to help again this year. €18,000 Musgrave Charita- €440 Countrywide Hillwalk- Knockmaroon, Chapelizod, Road,Cherry Orchard, Dublin Dublin, Ohio; Drumcondra Brigid Hughes 90th birthday; ble Trust Ltd, Kinsale, Co. ers. Dublin 20; Thank you God; 10; Ms P Somers,Lindsay Reader; Uncle Joe; FAD7; Mr Anon (8). Cork. €420 Raymond Cullen, Grif- Rev Patrick F. Gleeson, West- Road, Dublin 9; Sweeney Oliver J. Stokes,Offington €45 Ms Trina Cleary, Tem- €15,000 Coca Cola Bottlers fith Hall, Glandore Road, land Row, Dublin 2; In mem Family; Claire; In honour of St Avenue, Sutton, Dublin 13; V. pleroan Grove, Rathfarnham, Ireland Ltd, Baggot Street, Dublin 9. of Joe & Maureen Dain; Clon- Anthony; Merrion Stockbro- Thunder, Blackrock, Co. Dublin 16. Dublin 2. €400 Swiss Club Ireland; dra; Conor & Ciara, Griffith kers. Dublin; Quality Placements €44 CB. €6,000 Fairy Hill Trust Limit- John & Janet Costello; Cedar Ave; MARKO; M/s Brian & €140 Grandad G. Ltd; Ms Patricia Wiggins, €43 The Sky Blues. ed, Rathgar, Dublin 6. House Nursing Home; Happy Jacqui McCabe, Johnstown, €127 Abrahamson. Vernon Gardens, Clontarf, €40 Buddy; Anon via Vin- €5,300 Courts Services – Days; M.J.M. Naas, Co. Kildare; INNISHEE; €126 Ray of Sunshine. Dublin 3; Rathmines donor; centian; Claire @Timree D5; Dublin District Court Fines. €350 J Browne. Richard T; TM; Batu Gajah; €120 Mr Padraig Butler, Anon (6). John & T Roche, Donny- €5,000 Give Together, Bank €350 MBB; Anon. Ms Sile O'Tierney,Clonmore, Thurles, Co. Tipperary; St. €95 Miss Aoife Tuohy, brook, Dublin 4; Ms Teresa of Ireland. €330 Anon BD. Mount Merrion, Co Dublin; Annes; Ms Mary D'Arcy, Coolatree Park, Beaumont, Smyth,Cootehill €4,700 AIB ER Staff. €305 Rosrus. Holy Child SVP Conference Sommerville, Dundrum, Dublin 9. Road,Cavan; Little Sisters of €2,000 Namenlos. €300 Mr Simon Boyle, Larkhill; Our Lady of the Bld Dublin 14; Easter Hymn; €90 William & Margaret Assumption. €1,500Derek & Derek. Dublin 2; MAXI; Richard and Sacrament,; In Memory of LASKA; Ms Bernadette Sut- Birnie. €35 Jasper,Templeogue. €1,200 Mr. Derek A. Stave- Angela Collis, Dublin 7; BC; Joe Lynott; Hayes, Solrs; ton, Edgewood Lawn, Dublin €75 Zarky; Anon. €31 Ms C.N. LOWE, Rath- ley, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4. Grace, Glenageary; B.D&U.R Anon (2). 15; Ms Yvonne Walsh, Shel- €72 Ciara and Niamh – Mini down, Greystones, Co. Wick- €1,050 Procter & Gamble. Dub; Mr George Egar, Her- €232 Mr Frank Reynolds, martin Ave., Marino, Dublin 3. Marathon 2007. low. €1,000 The Three P's; KH, bert, Dublin 4; Ms Barbara Emmet Road, Inchicore, €110 Colm. €70 AUBURN. €30 Cara; Ms Anne Devlin; Dublin 3; Magpie; Fionn; Emmerson, Killiney, Co. Dublin 8. €105 White Buffalo. €63 Mr Neville Murphy. MISE; Mrs Ann Anon. Dublin; Baldy Bill; Softy.; Mr €200 F & D; Binley; Mr Denis €100 Roy & Lorraine Amder- €60 Roobarb; Anna-Petrov- Kelleher,Charrington €900 Martin Finnucane. Brendan Heneghan; Ms Byrne, Home Response, son; Barney; Dr Richard na; Dotie; Wellwisher; Tucker Road,Shankill,Co Dublin; In €850 TAP. Frances Hurley, Shanganagh Dublin 2; Teddy; Patrick Blennerhassett, St John’s Kids; In memory of Denis memory of Dermot Mac- €800 Aibidil. Road, Shankill, Dublin 18; Duffy, Dodder Road, Rath- Road, Sandymount, Dublin 4; Cahill RIP; Ms Eileen Brady, Niece; Mr Charles Moran; €730 Mount Anville Sec- Staffordshire Supporter; Mr farnham, Dublin 14; Ms Eve- M. Bolger; Ms Louise Brady; Palmerstown, Dublin 20; Joe; Mrs Barbara Ward. ondary School, Co. Dublin. Tom MacSweeney, lyn Duggan; Cheers; St Louis CB Cherrycourt; Auntie Mo; MUIRIS; Ms Susan Browne, €25 Laur Branigan; Mother €700 SVP - NUI Maynooth. Monkstown, Co. Cork; Sand- PPU, Dieu le Veult”; Brian Anon; Dick & Barbara; Rathfarnham Park, Dublin 14; of Four; Mr John D. €692 Pope John Paul II ford; Anne Mac; Mr Kevin Heeney, Piltown, Co. Kilken- EMERALD; In honour of St. J & E; Ms Mary D'Arcy, Dun- Ryan,Wainsfort Manor Cres, School, Malahide, Co. Nelson, Killiney, Co. Dublin; ny; M/S Brian and Kathleen Anthony; James & Marie drum, Dublin 14; BushyPark; Dublin 6W; Michael & Mary Dublin. Star of Seapoint; AMG; SUN- Kirby,Clifford Lodge, Ros- Ennis, Greenfield Road, Sut- MR Paddy Dempsey, Edward Walker. €685 Fr John J Kavanagh, DOWN; Good Wishes; In meen Park, Dun Laoghaire, ton, Co. Dublin; M/s Dominic Road, Bray, Co Wicklow; €20 EALA; Friend of Nigon; San Antonio, Texas, USA. memory of Marie; Coolmine Co. Dublin; John R.I.P; Kin- & Maura Fitzpatrick, Holly- Good Shepherd Conf,No Mrs Lily Clarke; Mrs Ethna €650 Susan & Damian. Plant Hire Ltd; Anon (3). nard; EOS; In Mem of Lar; Mr bank Ave, Ranelagh, Dublin address; Word Prayer Group Cotter,78 Trimleston Garden, €630 Catholic University €265 James Barber R.I.P. Eric Powell, Fairfield Park, 6; Susan & Damian; Mr Fred Cabinteely; Conv. of the Holy Booterstown, Co. Dublin; School. Omagh. Greystones, Co. Wicklow; Mr Galvin, Friarsland Road, Child Jesus; Mr Gerard Zak; Ms Deirdre Doyle, Dun €600 CAULBE; Gladys & €260 M.C.R.E.A.; Anon. Bernard J. Tighe, Trimleston, Goatstown, Dublin 14; Tabby Grimes,Downside,Skerries,C Laoghaire, Co Dublin; Gloria; LEROCNELG; Rowe- €255 Renee & Jim. Booterstow n, Co. Dublin; Cat; C.17; Hogues Insurance o. Dublin; P.G. Dublin 14; In Springfield; Four from 22; Ms na; Ms Nuala Stevens, €252 Ms Nieve Cahill, Stillor- Consolidated Pumps Ltd; Services Ltd; M/s Michael & memory of Paul Haugh; L Merren, Rathmines, Dublin Shankill, Co. Dublin. gan Park, Blackrock, Co Anon (3). Bridget Howard; Suirlee; Peace; Eileen McCarthy; The 6; Anon (2). €580 Derek & The Two Dublin; In memory of the €180 B.P.G. Snowbird; Rubens; Blondie; Kanes; Ms Mary Larrissy, €15 Ms Ruth Brewer,May- Swans. Currans; Ms Mary Deignan, €175 S & E. Clancy D5; Ms Ornond; Happy Days 11; In Ballyfermot Road, Dublin 10; wood Crescent,Raheny, €565 St. Thomas's Nat. Raheny, Dublin 5; Ms Mary B. Edna Russell-Cruise, Dalkey, memory of Matt & Lil; Mrs Ms Carmel Mac Conraoi; In Dublin 5; Navarre. School,Lucan; A.C. Clontarf; Healy,Sundrive Road, Dublin Co. Dublin. Margaret Morris; In memory memory of Dermot Mac- €13 M/s John & B Casey; Ms Conan Family; “ITY”; S.M. 12; Mr Mark Hughes, Willow- €165 St Brigid’s of Christopher Murray; Ms Niece; M & Madame Mary A. Taaffe, Stradbally, Dunn, Dalkey, Co. Dublin; field, Park Ave, Sandymount, National.School, Palmer- Philomena Murray, Maguire, Goatstown Road, Portlaoise, Co Laois. O'Dwyers GAA Club, Bal- Dublin 4; Mr Owen W. Lloyd, stown; Dublin 20. Greenogue Drive, Rathcoole, Dublin 14; E & F Dundrum; €10 Joseph Byrne,4, Ryland briggan; Mrs Maura Hegarty, Cross Ave, Booterstown, Co. €160 Ms Whelan's Class, Co. Dublin; Ms Fiona ROMANCE; TIBRADDEN; Mr Wood,Bunclody,Co. Wex- Roebuck Road, Dublin 14; Dublin; Mr Peter McDermott, St.Columba's National O'Brien, Sutton, Dublin 13; Diarmuid O'Cathasaigh, ford; Jake; Rodney W Senior, Brent; Frankie's Auntie; Gracepark, Beaumont, School. Kelly Kabs; MO'C,Baile an Howth, Co. Dublin; Ms Nuala Crannagh Castle, Dublin 14; Bethany, St Clare's Convent; Dublin 9; Mary, Balgriffen; €150 Carole Buckley & fam- Bhothair; Robin; Ms Elaine O'Shea, Terenure, Dublin Anon. DARRAGH; Ms Nancy M. M/s Mel & Ressa O'Cuinnea- ily; P & K Deegan; Maggie O'Mullane; Saoire Aoibhinn; 6W.; Barney; M.Scanlon, €8 Ms Johanna Browne. O'Brien; Runner; A.V. Sheri- gan, , Blackrock, Co Dublin; May; Mr Punch; Ms Helen M Mrs Nora O'Reilly O'Brien, Churchtown; Clontarf; For €6 Mr Brendan Crean; Mr dan, Booterstown, Black- Friend of Sunshine; Mr John Lynam,Annaville Park,Dun- Cedarwood Road, Dublin 11; Catherine; LUSK; Mr & Mrs James Heney; Af & R Clarke; rock, Co. Dublin; J O'Malley, Dublin 13; Anon drum, Dublin 14; Joan; J.P. & M Reid,The Pad- Patrick Treanor; M Walsh; €5 Sandymount; Anon (4). (2). Hampton; Mr Peter docks,Blackhorse Ave, Bernadette & Mgt Ward; Owen & Ita Curran; EJN; In €444 Amadeo. €250 Mr Ernest Crossen, McLaughlin,Clover Hill Dublin 7; Ann Richens, Energizer Ireland Ltd; Sr memory of John Walsh RIP. 8 9 2009 SEASON AT SUNSHINE HOUSE WEEK 1 * 30th May-6th June DID YOU EVER HEAR THE ONE WEEK 2 6th June-13th June WEEK 3 13th June-20th June WEEK 4 20th June-27th June WEEK 5 27th June-4th July ABOUT THE TALKING FRIDGE? BY EMMA KEANE WEEK 6 4th July-11th July Each week I’ve spent at Sunshine has been excit- WEEK 7 11th July-18th July ing, exhausting, challeng- ing, and fun! It’s great to WEEK 8 18th July-25th July now be familiar with the place and look forward to WEEK 9 25th July-1st August returning each year for a new adventure. WEEK 10 * 1st August-8th August Each year is different. No two children are alike. Each week is WEEK 11 8th August-15th August packed with visits to the beach, sandcastle building, basketball, football, obstacle courses, discos WEEK 12 15th August-22nd August and films. The activities never get boring. WEEK 13 22nd August-29th August The kids are constantly amused. They have the best personalities and are constantly full of life, chat- *Bank Holidays to remember: June1st & August 4th. ter, and ideas. They make each Please contact us as early as possible to book a place on the week of your choice. moment a celebration. Normally disgusting events like collect- Last season many weeks booked out early! ing crabs are transformed into exhilarat- Please remember that we will need Stewards for the early weeks ing challenges.You see the little creatures crawling in the rocks. You hear the kids The Sunshine Fund, SVP House, 91-92 Sean Mac Dermott Street, Freepost, Dublin 1. scream ‘Ahhhhh! Look at the stingers on Tel: 01-819 8430/31 Tuesday and Wednesday evening. email: sunshinefundsvpdublin.ie that one. I’m not touching it. Sister, Sis- ter, you pick it up!’ "Those who bring sunshine to the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves." Demand You’re needed. You’re in demand. Volunteers make such a difference You forget your nerves or repulsion and just pick up the crab, hoping to From June to September last year, over 200 volunteers gave over 1,000 avoid a vicious pinch from the children the holiday of a lifetime. ‘stingers’. If you want to be part of a group that is making a difference, please con- Then it comes to judging the crab competition. Ciara wins, having collect- tact us: ed 368 crustaceans. The creatures are By phone - 01-819 8430/31 on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings. meticulously counted she proudly the Head Brother told him today Jenny what was wrong. ‘I had a funny Or you can write to us by filling in the attached coupon and mailing it to releases them back into the sea. though that his dorm has already dream’ she explained. ‘About a talking gained an entire 34,343.4456 points. us at The Sunshine Fund, SVP House, 91-92 Seam Mac Dermott Street, Shane has worked hard, and although fridge’. That means they have earned almost Dublin 1. he collected only a single crusty ani- Serious mal, you decide to award him the prize enough points to be the best dorm. Mick When applying please consider the following: for the ‘best looking crab’. It’s hard to will continue to hold off the messing for a Then the entire dorm was in stitches. ● You must be over 18 years of age. tell who’s more proud; Ciara, Shane, or while. He has seen an incredible mini The Sister half-heartedly attempted the two crabs. radio on the prize display. He’d give any- ● Interested in the welfare and care of children - No experience is required but can be putting on a serious face and told the Mick has been having a fantastic week. thing for his dorm to get to go up on stage useful. first on the last day to choose their children to get back to sleep. Was Jen- He’s been good all year. He knows that ny imagining it, or was the Sister ● favourite toys. The Fund will require 2 references (not friends, family members or relatives of that’s the condition which allows him chuckling so hard that she had tears applicant). return to Sunshine. Jenny woke up the entire dorm last night. She didn’t mean to. She had an running down her face? ● Last year’s week at the Baller was the Garda clearance may be required. best week of his life. He made sure that amusing dream. She woke up and Yes. Because that’s what Sunshine is ● You must be prepared to spend the full seven days in Balbriggan, from Saturday to the he’d get to repeat it this year. Some- howled with laughter. about. It’s about games, chats, fun, and a The Sister turned on the light asked following Saturday. The work can be demanding, but very rewarding. times he finds it hard to be good. But lot of laughs. ● The earlier you book the easier it is for us to accommodate your choice of week. LOOKING FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU On receipt of the completed coupon we will contact you to arrange an interview. Name:...... Address:...... Telephone No:...... I am over 18 and interested in volunteering for a holiday on the following week: ...... 1st Choice...... 2nd Choice...... Please return to: The Stewards Department, The Sunshine Fund, SVP House, 91-92, Sean Mac Dermott Street, Freepost, Dublin 1. 10

LIMERICK HAT-TRICK By Jennifer Schweppe The children from Limerick and Roscrea had a wonderful experience For the third year in a row, the buses from and lots of happy memories from their stay in the “Sunshine Hotel” Limerick city and county and Roscrea After a welcome stop in Super- seen such a vast expanse of singing “Ireland’s Call” and The Societies of St Vincent de were loaded up with macs, the children arrived to the water, and wondered “where the “The Fields of Athenry”. Paul in Limerick and Roscrea are children for the long house a little tired but very excit- other side of the big river was”. The children never ceased to be eternally grateful to all of the ed about their “sleepover” holi- For the fifth year in a row, the amazed at the amount of prizes Sunshine team for the help and trip to the “Sunshine day in Dublin. Limerick and Roscrea week at available to them, and everyone willingness they have showed in Hotel” in Dublin. From the minute the children Sunshine was blessed with amaz- went home with presents for taking us every year and for Once again, the demand arrived, they were amazed at all ing weather – the best of the year their parents, siblings, cousins being so supportive for all our for places well exceeded there was to do in the House. – and the children spent every and grandparents. requests for extra spaces every day at the beach. Beach Exhausted year. the supply, so the buses For one of the first times this To the readers of ‘The Advocate’ were filled to capacity. The playgrounds, play materials year, we had to delve into the On the final day, when each On the trip, the more and beach never lost their appeal supplies of suncream in the child had his or her last prize, we also say thank you for your experienced children told in the seven days, with the chil- House! you could sense from each child support of Sunshine because dren clamouring to have “one With the memory of the Munster how wonderful their holiday with out you we would never the younger ones about have been able to provide such a how wonderful it was in more push on the swing” at all success in the Heineken Cup was. hours of the morning, noon and Final still fresh in the minds of The trip back to Limerick and fantastic experience for the Dublin, where there were night. the children (and volunteers!) the Roscrea was a quieter one than children of Limerick and playgrounds, castles, Indeed, the beach was the one roof of the dining room lifted the trip up, with all of the chil- Roscrea. beaches, and a disco thing that most attracted the chil- most mealtimes with the sound dren and stewards exhausted We look forward to another fine every night. dren – many of them had never of the young Munster fans from their week. holiday in 2009! 11

Please send your entries with your name, age and address to The Sunshine Fund, FREEPOST, P.O. Box 3287, Dublin 1. Best COLOURING COMPETITION entries will receive book tokens and the winner’s picture will also be published in next year’s Advocate.

Last year’s colouring competition winners...

Rebecca F Early. Age: 4.5

Saoirse Coraci. Age: 7 Meave Newvyn. Age: 8

Katie Moore. Age: 5

Kerrie Keenan. Age: 6 Aisling Carroll. Age: 7 Jessica Onono. Age: 10 12

CHILDREN NEED UNCONDITIONAL

LOVEparents, teachers, gardai, some- aboutFROM himself as he understood beyond their experience. So unconditionally, GOD that I commu- On the day that Jesus was times even the Church. it – and surely God knows the when they hear the word nicate to them God’s uncondi- born, the seeds of the Christ- Maybe his parents showed him truth! So he thinks: It’s bad “God”, they understand a being tional love. By my uncondition- ian community were planted. little love and eventually threw enough going through life who judges, condemns and al love for them, I hope that I That community was to him out – or maybe he just left thinking you are unloveable, rejects them. Their low sense of am giving them the possibility ensure that there would be as he felt unloved and saw no but to have to go through eter- self-esteem, of self-value, con- of believing in a God who loves no-one poor, no-one hungry, reason to stay at home; maybe nity, thinking you’re unloveable vinces them that they are unlov- them unconditionally, of believ- no-one thirsty, no-one naked, FATHER his school expelled him because – well, that’s too much. able, and so they are incapable ing therefore in the only God no-one in prison or in hospi- his behaviour was difficult – but So for him, the good news is of believing in a God who loves that exists. tal feeling unloved, no-one PETER McVERRY his behaviour was difficult that there is no God. And so he them and cares for them. And so to my Christmas pre- marginalised. because of his problems taught me that you cannot The God I would want to sent! On Christmas day, That community was not just I got a lovely Christmas at home; maybe the believe in a God who speak of to them, and the this young man rang to talk about the love of God present this year from a Gardai keep has- loves you unless you God they would hear me – having earlier, for the world, it was to be the young homeless man sling him on the “You first have some from me, are two or course, texted love of God for the world.It whom I have known for streets and mov- love for yourself. totally contrary “Talking me to ask for was to be the love of God for many years. Admittedly he ing him on, We often trans- meanings for the credit for his the world in the same total was a little drunk at the telling him cannot fer on to God same word phone! – and way that Jesus was the love of time…but more about that he’s not the attitudes “God”. to them asked me God for the world: ready to later. wanted of those But if I don’t “What did give up everything the com- Sometimes people, who around believe in a around us – talk to them God give munity possesses, everything know that I work with young here; God for about God, I about a God you as a the community values, ready homeless people, ask me this maybe he him is a hope that I present on to place the talents, the skills, question, “Do I talk to them hears the God who loves being who, do commu- His birth- the time, the energy and even about God?”. Church like soci- nicate God day?” I the lives of the members of And my answer is always: saying: ety, must to them. who loves them said: “He the community at the service “No.”. This surprises them; they “robbing is you unless you reject him, How do I gave me of the needs of others, partic- think I should be talking to bad” and because he do that? If nothing, I ularly the poor, the dispos- them about God, after all, isn’t he says to is not I want to is no substitute haven’t sessed, the marginalised, the that what a priest is supposed himself “I first have some worth lov- communi- had a pre- lonely, those who feel to do? rob, so I ing. cate to them sent all unloved. Let me explain why not. One must be So why don’t a God who for actually day.” (I was As I reflect on Irish society young man once said to me: bad.” love for I talk to them loves them, pretty sure today, on the continued exis- “The very thought that there The message about God? then I have to nobody had tence of homelessness, on might be a God depresses me.” he is getting Because when do so, not by loving given him a those “warehoused” in pris- Now, I’m used to young people from both the ” I say the word words, but by present at ons with no possibility of telling me that they don’t people he meets yourself. “God”, I mean actions – by actual- Christmas and I accessing rehabilitative ser- believe in God; but this was and the institutions one thing, but when ly loving them. them.” didn’t want him to vices, on children placed in going one step further: “The of the society he is liv- they hear the word Words can sometimes feel alone). “And adult psychiatric hospitals, very thought that there might be ing in is: “you’re no good, “God”, it means some- be cheap and empty. Talk- what did God give you?” I on children with special a God depresses me.” you’re only trouble, we don’t thing different to them. When I ing to them about a God who asked, “Nothing, as well, I sup- needs waiting years for But as I thought about it, I came want you.” So he says to him- use the word “God”, I am talk- loves them is no substitute for pose?” “No”, he said, “I got a assessment and even more to realise what he meant: he self: “If there is a God, then God ing about a being who loves actually loving them. And lov- present from God, God gave me years for services, on drug feels so bad about himself, he is up there, somewhere, looking them with an infinite and ing them must take into you.” users waiting years for treat- feels that he is worthless and down at me, saying: ‘There’s unconditional love, a love account, and seek to alleviate, And in that sentence, he ment, I have to ask myself: unlovable. Why does he think someone I couldn’t love, there’s beyond even their wildest imag- their homelessness, their pover- expressed the meaning of “Is the Christian community that? Because that’s what every- someone I couldn’t care about’, ination. But they cannot under- ty and their powerlessness. It is Christmas far better than all today what Jesus hoped it one he knows keeps telling him: because that was the truth stand such a concept – it is in loving them, supporting them the theologians in the world. would become?” 13 GENEROSITY DURING OUR COLLECTION RESULTS IN A REMARKABLE €285,000 Over €285,000 was col- Ballymun (OLV) ...... €1,672 Marino ...... €1,744 lected by our teams of Ballymun(Virgin Mary) €156 Marley Grange ...... €1,855 volunteers at over 176 Ballyroan ...... €3,000 Maynooth ...... €1,714 Churches in 2008. This Bayside ...... €2,167 Meadowbrook ...... €1,850 was a fantastic achieve- Beaumont/Ardmore... €2,260 Meath Street ...... €518 ment on a weekend Beechwood Avenue.... €2,506 Merchant's Quay ...... €344 when the weather was Belfield (UCD) ...... €1,095 Merrion Road ...... €3,363 far from Spring-like. Berkley Road ...... €500 Milltown ...... €1,465 It was also the second Blackrock ...... €1,755 Monkstown ...... €2,078 highest amount collected at Blakestown ...... €300 Mount Argus ...... €3,145 the Advocate Collection € Mount Merrion ...... €8,846 since 1935. the amount col- Blanchardstown ...... 2,209 Blessed Sacrament Chapel ... Mountview ...... €664 lected signifies the contin- € € ued goodwill and support ...... 490 Mulhuddard ...... 280 of so many of you for the Bluebell ...... €400 Navan Road...... €1,783 work of the Sunshine Fund Bonnybrook...... €694 Newcastle...... €895 and our many volunteers. Booterstown ...... €3,835 Newtown Park Avenue ...... The amount is also signifi- Brackenstown ...... €1,424 €2,451 cant at a time when the first Bray (MHR) ...... €700 North William St ...... €470 signs of a decline was evident Bray (OLQP)...... €600 Oldbawn ...... €994 in the economy and atten- € dances at Mass and the num- Bray Little (St Pius) .....€524 Palmerstown ...... 1,665 ber of Church services are also Bray-Ballywaltrim .....€1,443 Phibsboro ...... €1,917 evidently lower. Cabinteely...... €1,978 Porterstown ...... €989 The funds collected are used Cabra (Christ the King) Portmarnock ...... €3,370 exclusively to provide the holi- €1,143 Priorswood ...... €623 day services at Sunshine House. € Pro Cathedral (St Mary’s) .... All of our administration is handles Cabra West (MPB) ..... 1,105 Castleknock ...... €1,320 €1,019 by volunteers to ensure that what we € collect can be applied in full to the Castleview ...... €867 Raheny ...... 3,822 benefits of the boys and girls lucky Celbridge ...... €3,512 Rathcoole ...... €795 enough to be invited on holidays. Chapelizod ...... €1,040 Rathfarnham...... €4,022 This year we expect demands for € Rathgar ...... €4,691 our holidays to exceed the number we Church Street ...... 348 Churchtown ...... €2,147 Rathmines...... €2,400 will be able to provide. We hope, € with your help, that we can provide at City Quay ...... €84 Rialto...... 559 least 1,400 boys and girls with holi- Clarendon Street ...... €4,482 Ringsend ...... €1,803 € days. Thank you for your support in Clogher Road ...... €856 River Valley...... 1,067 2008, we hope that you will continue € Rivermount-Finglas South ... to be a generous in 2009 Clondalkin ...... 1,933 € Clonskea ...... €1,565 Enniskerry ...... €865 €1,140 677 If you miss the collection, you can € € Rosmini College...... €146 always send a donation to the Sun- Clontarf (St Anthony) €1,620 Esker-Doddsboro ...... 1,903 Iona Road...... 1,518 Rush...... €1,415 shine Fund at 91-92 Seán McDermott Clontarf (St John)...... €1,940 Fairview ...... €1,695 James' Street ...... €452 Saggart ...... €565 Street, Dublin 1.The top collections Coolock...... €1,980 Finglas Village ...... €2,510 John's Lane ...... €825 in 2008 were Mount Merrion with Sallynoggin ...... €1,390 Corduff ...... €544 Finglas West...... €901 Johnston-Killiney ...... €2,076 €8,846; Malahide with €6,135; Sandyford ...... €871 Crumlin ...... €1,991 Firhouse ...... €1,658 Kilbarrack-Foxfield ...€1,944 Foxrock with €6,071; Rathgar was € € Sandymount ...... €2,875 next with €4,691 and Donnybrook Dalkey ...... €3,448 Fortfield Road ...... 4,461 Killester ...... 1,130 € € Seabury Malahide .....€1,987 took fifth position with €4,645. Dollymount (St Gabriel) ...... Foxrock...... 6,071 Killiney (St Stephen).... 605 The amount collected at your local € Francis Street ...... €434 Kill-O-The-Grange ...... €1,563 Seagrange...... €1,132 2,856 € Church is shown below. Dolphins Barn...... €694 Gardiner Street ...... €1,388 Kilmacananague ...... €376 Sean Mcdermott Street 175 € Glasnevin ...... €1,413 Kilmacud...... €3,857 Shankill ...... €2,757 Ardlea ...... €1,463 Dominick Street...... 507 € Glasthule ...... €1,081 Kilmore West ...... €956 Sillogue (Holy Spirit) ... €229 Artane ...... €755 Donabate...... 1,504 € Donaghmede ...... €1,422 Glencullen ...... €201 Kilnamanagh...... €500 Skerries ...... 2,305 Aspen Rd - Visitation ... €676 € € Springfield ...... €1,110 € Donnybrook ...... Grange Road ...... 1,040 Kilternan...... 931 Aughrim ...... 1,000 € € € Sutton ...... €3,083 € ...... 4,645 Greenhills ...... 1,968 Kimmage Manor ...... 1,132 Ayrefield ...... 570 € € Swords ...... €1,875 € Donnycarney ...... €2,414 Greystones-Blacklion 1,763 Kinsealy ...... 775 Balally ...... 1,665 € € Tallaght (St Dominic) €1,143 € Donore Avenue ...... €1,035 Haddington Road ...... 2,101 Knocklyon ...... 1,848 Balbriggan ...... 1,609 € € Tallaght (St Mary's) ...€1,682 € Drimnagh/Mourne Road ...... Halston Street...... 207 Larkhill/Whitehall ..... 3,737 Baldoyle ...... 577 € € € Terenure (St Joseph) . €2,572 € 686 Harold'S Cross ...... 1,513 Laurel Lodge ...... 4,275 Balgaddy/Lucan South . 452 € € Terenure College ...... €2,300 € Drumcondra (Corpus Christi) Harrington Street ...... 1,080 Leixlip and Confey .... 3,667 Ballinteer ...... 2,775 ...... €3,015 € € Tymon Nth (St Aengus) €543 € Hartstown ...... 533 Loughlinstown ...... 368 Ballyboden ...... 1,329 Dublin Airport ...... €560 € Walkinstown ...... €1,035 € Howth ...... 2,105 Lwr Leeson St and St Ballybrack ...... 874 Dun Laoghaire ...... €3,154 € Stephen's Green ...... €1,193 Westland Row ...... €210 € Huntstown ...... 444 Ballyfermot (OLA) ..... 1,407 Dundrum ...... €3,137 Lucan ...... €2,112 Whitefriar Street...... €1,616 € Inchicore (Mary Immacu- Ballyfermot Upper .... 1,382 East Wall ...... €416 late) ...... €813 Lusk...... €542 Willington ...... €2,250 € Ballygall ...... 2,310 Edenmore ...... €877 Inchicore (St Michael) ...... Malahide ...... €6,135 Willowvale - Apostle..... €370 14 EXPERIENCEEXPERIENCE OFOF AA LIFETIMELIFETIME

Teen holidays are hard work but bring plenty of rewards

It looked like a daunting was the one everyone was talk- From body surfing to archery, So we played basketball or task, standing on Cathal ing about. from abseiling to orienteering football with them when they Brugha Street with the And so to the first task, pick- they all got stuck in. I have to were waiting on the bus as a ing bunks and deciding where say that the activity leaders distraction, believe me no one rain pouring down in and indeed our own leaders buckets while we was best to sleep. noticed when the bus came as This was a good source of fun were great for encouraging they were all caught up in the loaded up the bus with for the lads, as was the first everyone to have a go. games. all the bags. activity, role play. Little did I It’s not easy getting adults up The bus journey home was a However, first impres- know that I was to become the and out of bed at 8am, never sions don’t always last and target for my group. mind teenagers so it’s a credit lot more raucous than the one so it was here. We were split into groups of 5 to the head leader on the week down, but from a good point of that all the teenagers were up view. There was a lot of banter We set off from Cathal and given 5 words to play with and all I can remember is one and having breakfast at 8 every back and forth from the front Brugha and the bus journey of them was banana monkey morning. to the back. was remarkably quiet, I think hammock, which had the On the subject of sleep, get- Once we arrived back on the teenagers were as shocked teenagers in stitches. ting the teenagers off to bed Cathal Brugha Street there was at the weather as we were. Activities every night was not as difficult a lot of handshakes and high At least the bus journey a task as I thought it would be, fives from the guys. broke some ice and we got to One of us had to play the girl especially considering what chat to some of the teenagers activity leader and this of was consumed while watching Rewarding and get to know them on the course was handed to me. In the nightly DVD. One moment in particular will the attack that happened, I way down. I distinctly remember one of stay with me for a very long ended up with all sorts of Once we arrived we were the teenagers on our run to the time. kitchenware like a mop head shop buying 3 dairy milk, 4 brought into the main room The parents of two guys who where we and the teenagers for a wig; I even had make-up packets of crisps and a litre of were brothers couldn’t collect were introduced to the activity applied. coke to wash it down with. them on Cathal Brugha Street leaders, who are all very expe- We won of course, pretty irrele- We would stand around for a rienced at outdoor adventure vant, but it was a great way to while in the room calming and the head leader asked pursuits. break the ice with all the them all down but I have to say would I walk them to their new The head of the activity lead- teenagers and I became the butt they were exhausted after the collection point. I duly obliged. ers had the group captivated of a lot of slagging for the few days activities so no problem in As they were leaving me they straight away, he put them all days because of it. getting them to sleep. both turned and said “Thank at ease and had them all That’s what it’s all about It wasn’t all freshness and you”, it’s probably the most geared up for the few days though getting the teenagers to light of course we had our ups rewarding and fulfilling “thank enjoy themselves. ahead, in the space of a few and downs during the few days you” that I have ever received. The activities were brilliant but we got through those times minutes. So with a smile on my face The teenagers would learn and none of the teenagers did- by diverting attention else- after an exhausting but reward- how to gorge walk, canoe, n’t enjoy at least two or more where and taking on other climb walls among other excit- activities. You’ll always get activities. ing couple of days I headed ing pursuits throughout the some that are afraid to take It’s all about distraction for back home. week. some things on but once they both adult and teenager and All in all it was one of the With the rain still coming see everyone else doing it, they once the mind is occupied most rewarding experiences of down outside, the gorge walk jump straight in. everything else went smoothly. my life to date. 15 SUNSHINE BRINGS CHRISTMAS CHEER BY BERNIE undertaken with great enthusiasm. It might surprise you to know that our cast and crew of Cinderella were The two day Christmas parties also volunteers. held in Sunshine House on the Many long cold evenings in second weekend in December November and December were “Thank last were the best yet! Or so spent rehearsing and for most if not everyone who attended thought, you for my all it was after a hard day’s work. invitations to the but then again they do say that For a lot of the children it was their every year. Christmas parties. I had first pantomime and I bet they’re still two great days and know the During the weekend, 233 children aged talking about it. Their laughter and enjoy- between 4 and 8 from areas in Killinar- children enjoyed them. ment was a pure delight to watch and Well done to everybody who den, Coolock and Finglas attended the reward enough for all on stage. festivities. And over 70 exceptional vol- organized the parties. Everything Anyone who has ever had to host or organ- was excellent, for adults and children. unteers were on hand to make sure they ise a party will understand when I say that had a Christmas party to remember. Well done to those who took part in the parties like this don’t just happen on the day, Pantomime. It was brilliant. Pity Most of our volunteers had been down they have to be planned in advance. during the summer, and I suspect just like they could not bring 'Cinderella' on tour. And so a small group of us were kept busy The face painting, Steve's 'Santa stuck' me they wanted to relive some of the the month before planning every last detail magic that is Sunshine, and so eagerly put story, Santa Charlie, food, presents ...all of the day. great. Please, please put me on the list their names down for the Christmas Hiring buses, finding volunteers and assign- weekend. for next year. ing them tasks, ordering food and drinks, Please pass on my thanks and Our volunteers gave up their Saturday, Sun- organising a work party the weekend before day or both to spend it supervising/playing congratulations to all concerned. A to decorate the house and dividing the day lovely idea having tea and mince pies with children on bouncing castles (what a into the various activities are just some of chore!), handing out party food, party hats, at the start of the days. the jobs that had to be undertaken before the I hope you have a happy and blowers and all the bits and bobs that make big event. up a good party, sitting with the children peaceful Christmas. These were the behind the scenes unen- Best wishes for 2009.” while they squealed with delight at our pan- viable tasks that had to be carried out to tomime ‘Cinderella’ and listening to their ensure the success of the Christmas par- excited chatter as they finally got to see ties but surprisingly nobody complained. Michele McGowan. Santa! They never do. Of course they perform countless It’s been said before but really I don’t little tasks like these during think we say it enough, without your the day but I think all support and the support from our volun- would agree that teers those parties would not have been each task possible. was Children who ordinarily might not get the chance to visit Santa in the local shopping centre, who most certainly would not have been taken to see any pantomime, who would not have enjoyed a party with all the trimmings with their friends, who would not have had elves paint their faces and who would not have spent a happy hour on various bouncing castles experienced all of this and more thanks to you, our supporters and our volunteers. On their behalf I wish to thank you for your continued generosity.

“I DOES A CHILD want to go Thanks... next year, and the NEED A HOLIDAY? year after as well. I Our thanks to Philip Doherty for drawing a won- want to go for my derful picture for our Colouring Competition at Conferences of the Society of St Vincent de whole life” such short notice. Paul in Dublin, who are aware of children (Child) who could benefit from a holiday in Sunshine House, should submit names to The Pictures... Sunshine Fund as soon as possible. The age range for children is seven to ten years. “Lauren If any of our readers have old photographs There is no cut-off date for the receipt of will rabbit on all of Sunshine House not presently getting applications but those received early have a year about this holiday the exhibition they truly deserve, we would better chance of being processed. Please – I won’t hear the end be delighted to acquire them. Please con- print clearly each child’s name, address and of it for another year tact our offices and we will arrange collec- date of birth and post to The Sunshine Fund, tion, or post them to The Sunshine Fund, SVP House, 91-92 Sean Mac Dermott Street, now” (Parent) FREEPOST, P.O. Box 3287, Dublin 1. FREEPOST, Dublin 1. 16 Your contribution can make a real difference Support will help spread the Sunshine STANDING ORDER FORM To set up a standing order, please fill in the form below which gives the necessary instructions to your Bank or Building Society. The form should be sent back to us, not directly to your Bank. Please use BLOCK CAPITALS

The Manager

Name of Bank or Building Society: ......

Address of Branch:......

Branch Sort Code:......

Account:......

Name of Account Holder”......

Please pay to The Sunshine Fund,Bank of Ireland Rotunda Branch. The Sunshine Fund depends on your for money when one considers the level of care A/C No:...... continuous support in providing fun given and the facilities provided. filled holidays to the children of There are many ways you can help us: Code:...... Dublin. The Sum of: All of the Funds income comes from you - - You can make a once off donation to the Fund. 95% of which goes directly to providing €10 ■ *€21 ■ €50 ■ €100 ■ - You can make a recurring donation to the the Children's holidays - the remaining Fund by using the Standing Order Form. € ■ € ■ € ■ € ■ 150 200 * 250 Other 5% goes on administration (postage, - You can make a credit card donation by phon- phone, stationery and printing). ing 01 819 8430 / 819 8431 on Tuesday or So how do we keep our administration ■ ■ Wednesday evening. Every Month Every Year costs so low? - You can remember The Sunshine Fund in your Most of the work of the Fund is undertaken Starting Date:...... Will. by volunteers. Each year, over four hundred - You can make Sunshine Fund the beneficiary Signature: ...... people help us with the holidays, the Advocate Collection and the office administration. of your next Company night out. Name:...... Thanks to your support, last year we were able - You could get your Company to sponsor a pro- to demolish and reconstruct the downstairs toilet ject or cost item in Sunshine House Address:...... block. - You or your Company could donate personal Phone:...... Despite tight financial control, the cost of or corporate expertise to help with some of the providing a child with a week holiday in Sun- work we have underway *Any monthly donation of €21, or annual donation of €250 or more means we shine house has risen from €250 to €300 per - You can donate money to the Fund in lieu of will be able to claim back tax you have paid on the amount,making your donation week. Even so, this represents excellent value wedding presents or favours. more valuable. If applicable, please give your RSI number to enable us to claim DON’T FORGET A DONATION IN EXCESS OF €250 CAN GENERATE AN EXTRA €200 FROM THE GOVERNMENT this further percentage.

Credit Card donations can I would like to help pay for holidays in Sunshine House also be telephoned to Name:...... My cheque/money order/postal order for Eur ...... is enclosed. Address:...... Please debit my VISA / MASTER / ACCESS card for Euro...... 819 8430 ...... Telephone:...... Card Number: ...... Expiry date:...... Nom-de-plume...... Please return to: The Sunshine Fund, SVP House, 91-92 Sean Mac Dermott 819 8431 (if you don’t want your name published). Street, Freepost, Dublin 1.