By Michelle Crean

COVID didn’t “hamper” their efforts this year as members of the Killarney Soroptimist Club came together and gave generously to charity.

Members of the group couldn’t hold normal meetings this year due to the ongoing restrictions but pulled together to continue supporting a women’s aid countywide service.

Along with family and friends they created Christmas hampers for the third year running and donated them to the ADAPT Centre in Tralee on Tuesday.

There, they presented them to Catherine Casey, who is the Manager of ADAPT Women’s Refuge Centre.

“It is wonderful to be in a position to donate these Christmas hampers to ADAPT once again this year,” Killarney Soroptimist Club President, Teresa Irwin, said.

“Due to COVID and not being able to hold normal club meetings we were unsure what we could manage. We are thrilled with the response since we decided to go ahead and amazed at the generosity and the number of hampers. We wish to thank all those that donated. Hopefully the residents of ADAPT will enjoy them.”

Catherine said that they were once again very grateful to all the members of the Killarney Soroptimist Club.

“We recognise that there is a lot of organising and work done by the Club President Teresa Irwin and all the members in collecting and putting the hampers together. It is heartwarming to see the support and generosity of the club. ADAPT Kerry and the Killarney Soroptimists have built a very good relationship over the last number of years and they have lead many campaigns to highlight our service in the Killarney area, including taking part in the ‘Safe Homes, Safe Communities’ initiatives. There is no doubt that their work raises awareness of our service and has contributed to many more women making contact with us for support by phone, through our outreach service and availing of refuge.”

If you would like to talk to ADAPT Kerry please ring 066 7129100 anytime.

We hope you have your Christmas letter written – and checked it twice – because Santa is waiting for it to be posted!

And thanks to the Christmas in Killarney committee it’s now so much easier to get it to him with the special Santa post box on College St. just outside Lana.

His elves will collect the post every night at midnight and bring them straight to the North Pole.

After taking part in the magical parade in town on Saturday evening, Santa spoke to the Killarney Advertiser and said he is so excited to deliver the toys later this month.

“Season’s Greetings to everyone,” Santa said.

“I would like to remind all the boys and girls in Killarney and Kerry to write and post their letters to me as soon as possible. They can use the green post box on College St and my elves will collect the letters every night when everyone is asleep! I can’t wait to get in my sleigh and deliver all the fantastic presents on Christmas Eve. Remember, be good, the elves are watching!”