CARI Limerick chosen as charity for Tony Noonan Christmas Lights Appeal 2020

Tony Noonan pictured above has chosen CARI Limerick as one of his chosen charities for his Christmas Lights Appeal 2020.

CARI Limerick chosen as charity for Tony Noonan Christmas Lights Appeal 2020

By I Love Limerick correspondent Mary Caroline McCarthy

This year Tony Noonan has chosen CARI Limerick as one of his chosen charities for his Christmas Lights Appeal 2020. 

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For almost 20 years the Noonan family in Templeglantine have been lighting up the night sky with a magical festive display at their home. But, this Christmas, sadly, the bungalow in west Limerick will not be lit up as in previous years. 

Due to COVID-19 Tony is putting  supporters and donors health and safety to the forefront of his 2020 campaign and therefore he will not be lighting up this year.  He is appealing to all people who travelled to his house in the past to see the lights to please donate instead through his donation page on GoFundMe. He launched his GoFundMe page with Live 95fm and as CARI is one of his chosen charities they will be receiving a donation from funds raised to Live95 Helping Limerick Children 2020. CARI is a leading voluntary organisation with a proven track record in providing child-centered specialised therapy and support to children, families, and groups affected by child sexual abuse, regardless of means.

For almost twenty years the Noonan’s have been lighting up the night sky with their annual Christmas Wonderland of Lights and have raised over €200,000 over the year by doing so, along with winning two All-Ireland titles in the process. Over the past two decades the Christmas wonderland of lights has attracted visitors from near and far, raising thousands and thousands of euro for local charities while giving enjoyment to young and old. This money is vital for the local charities that the Noonan’s support and brings enjoyment to those who come to see them.

However, even without the usual Wonderland of Lights going ahead, charities like CARI still need the funds to help with the day-to-day running of their charities and so this year they are taking their efforts online.  Through therapy, CARI offers children a supportive ally and a safe environment and instills hope, trust, and confidence allowing these children to return to the path of normal development and reach their potential. CARI, like many other charities, has faced great financial difficulties this year due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. Non-profit organisations all over Ireland are relying on the kindness of people like Tony Noonan to keep their charities alive.

Tony said, “2020 has brought challenges for all, and we are no different. Our Wonderland of Lights, being an outdoor event and with the crowds that we have drawn in previous years, won’t be on show this year. It was a very difficult decision for us to make, but the safety of our visitors is our main priority and having the display would bring too much of a risk to all.

However, our charities are still in need of much needed funds to help with the day-to-day running so this year we have decided to take our efforts online! Our GoFundMe will be live until January of 2021 and will allow our annual visitors to support the cause this year, just like they have done so in the past. This is going to be a year with a difference for all, but any donations – big or small – will be greatly appreciated by our charities.”

To donate go HERE

For other stories on CARI go HERE