Limerick child officially opens Santa’s Magical Cabin
Rian Moloney and his family were the first visitors at The Jetland Shopping Centre
THE MUCH-loved Santa’s Magical Cabin has returned just in time for the festive season and got off to an extra-special start, as one Limerick child was the first to open it in Ireland.
Rian Moloney, age 2, is from Granagh, Co Limerick. He was the very first visitor to officially open Santa’s Magical Cabin this year, and did so at The Jetland Shopping Centre.
Rian, who is a member of the Jack and Jill Foundation, was joined by his mother Rachel and father Paul, as he represented the 23 children currently being supported by the Foundation in Limerick and the 521 children currently supported by the charity across Ireland.
Jack and Jill is a nationwide charity that funds and provides up to 100 hours per month of in-home nursing care and respite support to families caring for children, up to the age of six, with severe learning disabilities, often associated with complex medical needs.
Speaking at the launch of Santa’s Magical Cabin, Rian’s mother Rachel said: “Jack and Jill has been part of our family since the very early days after Rian came home from hospital as a new baby.
“The support is just amazing, it gives me back a few hours to myself, confident in the knowledge that Rian is being cared for by very safe hands. Christmas time is full-on in any household, but especially as I am caring full-time for Rian.
“I don’t get a moment to plan and prepare. Having the support from our Jack and Jill nurses gives me that time to enjoy the run-up to Christmas and just give us back that little bit of normality.”
This year, Santa along with his team at Santa’s Magical Cabin, have donated 180 visits for Jack and Jill families to come and meet them at the six Santa’s Magical Cabin venues throughout Ireland.
Other families planning to visit Santa at his Magical cabin will also have the opportunity to make a donation to the charity at the time of booking or during their visit.
Head of fundraising at Jack and Jill, Alie Sheridan said: “Christmas is a time for families to gather together at home. Unfortunately for many of our Jack and Jill families, it can be a time of uncertainty, and their biggest Christmas wish is simply having their child at home with their family, where they belong.
“We are asking people to consider supporting Jack and Jill this Christmas by donating, supporting one of our Christmas fundraising initiatives or purchasing from our Christmas Collection to ensure we continue to provide our vital service to families in communities across the country, just like the Moloneys.”
The cabin can be visited in the Jetland on the Ennis road from November 16 to December 23, from 12pm to 6pm.