Santa Claus has issued a novel appeal to children in the south Mayo/north Galway area in advance of a scheduled trip to Ballinrobe on Sunday November 30 — before you get Christmas presents this year, please give some first.
News of Santa’s unusual request came to light last week when a spokesperson for the North Pole contacted the officers of Ballinrobe Traders’ Association. Santa Claus is coming to Ballinrobe on November 30 to switch on the local Christmas lights, a function he has carried out for a number of years.
“When Santa’s spokesperson contacted us, we though it was just to iron out the final details of his trip — security arrangements, the best flight path, and take-off and landing facilities. The usual stuff. We are accustomed to hosting Santa Claus, which is always a big honour, but this time the spokesperson had a special request,” said Martin Murphy of Ballinrobe Traders’ Association.
“He wants every child coming to Ballinrobe on November 30 to bring an old toy with them. These toys will be distributed to children in a number of orphanages in eastern Europe by Ballinrobe man Tony Walkin in March.
“This is why we have made the request public. We are calling it Santa’s Light Up A Life appeal. We want children to know that they should bring along the old toy on the evening of November 30. We have assured Santa Claus that we will have collection points in place, and we hope to collect a fine array of toys for the children in the orphanages.
“Tony Walkin and Santa go back a long way, and Santa has had great faith in Tony for many years. This is why Santa is happy to recommend Tony as the man to bring the items abroad.
“Tony has made a number of journeys in recent years to eastern Europe with items like clothes, toys, blankets, and various essential items.”
The Ballinrobe Christmas lights switch-on will take place at 6pm, at Abbey Street. In previous years, crowds in excess of 1,000 people have turned up for this important event, and a number of special guests will be along to make it a memorable night.
