BakeRona’s Annual Easter Treasure Hunt in Moville rescheduled to Monday

Local baker Rona McDonald, owner of BakeRona, is bringing back her much-loved Easter Treasure Hunt to Moville for its fifth year this April and this year promises to be bigger and more meaningful than ever.

The event, which was due to take place today, Saturday, from 12pm–2pm, has been deferred now to Monday.

“Due to the current yellow weather warning, I’ve made the decision to postpone BakeRona’s Easter Treasure Hunt,” event organiser Rona said. “The safety of the children is my top priority, and I feel this is the best decision under the circumstances.

“I’m really sorry for any disappointment this may cause - but the event will now take place on Monday, April 6 from 12pm-2pm. Fingers crossed the weather will be in our favour.

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Mondy’s event starts at BakeRona’s Bakery and sends families on a fun-filled trail of clues around Moville Green.

Rona first launched the Easter Hunt five years ago with one simple goal: to create something fun for local children and families during Easter time.

“There wasn’t really anything going on for kids around Easter, and I just wanted to do something that would bring a bit of joy to the community,” she said.

The very first year, the event was completely free, with Rona providing homemade prizes such as traybakes, cookies and brownies.

“It was such a lovely day, and afterwards people were saying they would happily have paid for it because of how much the kids enjoyed it.”

Following that, and on the suggestion of her parents, Rona decided to turn the event into a yearly fundraiser - choosing a different charity each year, with a focus on keeping it local and meaningful.

“When I’m picking a charity, I always try to choose something close to home or something in the town or within Donegal that could really benefit, even if it’s €100 or €1,000. Every bit helps.”

Over the years, the Easter Hunt has supported a number of important causes, including St. Vincent de Paul in Moville, MND in honour of Adrian Harkin, and the Stroke Unit in Letterkenny University Hospital, following her father’s stroke last February.

This year, Rona has chosen to support Hughie’s Corner in Carndonagh, a community-funded counselling service that provides mental health support to young people aged five to 18 across Donegal.

Hughie’s Corner was set up in memory of Hughie Doherty and offers a safe, supportive space for children and teenagers who may be struggling with anxiety, grief, trauma, or other challenges. The service is completely funded by the local community and relies heavily on donations and fundraising efforts to continue its work.

Rona explained that the decision was also guided by professional insight.

“I spoke to a friend who works as a social worker and asked what kind of services are most needed at the minute. Hughie’s Corner was recommended, and when I looked into it more, I just knew it was the right choice.

“Because it’s completely community-funded, I just felt it was the best decision we could have made this year.”

A special part of the event is the treasure trail itself, which is created by Rona’s dad, Philip McDonald.

“My dad does all the clues around the town. He walks the shore every single day (even after his stroke) and he’s brilliant. He might be fully retired, but I definitely keep him busy with this!”

The Easter Treasure Hunt has grown into a well-loved annual event, bringing families together for a day of fun, community spirit, and giving back.

Children can take part for €3 each, or €10 per family, with prizes awarded for first, second and third place. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

For those who cannot attend but would still like to support the cause, donation sheets are available in Norris’s Coffee Shop, Timbers Coffee Co and The Cosy Cottage in Moville and The Diamond Cafe in Carndonagh.

“I’ve always wanted to give back to the community, and doing something like this each year - something fun that also helps others, just means a lot.”

Rona also credits the support of her close friends, who volunteer their time each year to help run the event.

She said: “All my friends help out on the day, they volunteer and just get stuck in with everything, whether it’s helping with the kids, handing out clues, or keeping things running smoothly. I genuinely couldn’t do it without them.”

Their help plays a huge part in creating the fun, welcoming atmosphere the Easter Treasure Hunt has become known for.