Kick off festive spirit on ice

UNDER pressure to buy the Christmas presents and still have your quota of fun?

The solution could be to skate off to Dublin’s biggest ice rink at Smithfield next Monday.

While landing cool Yule gifts, you will also be helping raise funds for the €1.2 million kidney care unit at Temple Street Children’s Hospital.

Yesterday, Ms Santa Jenny Lee and little helpers Mia Bella Whelan, 5, Siobhán O’Keefe, 9, and Eric Barrett, 9, tested the ice in the run-up to the big day.

“We have beautiful Christmas cards, chocolates, wine which will be on sale all day next Monday,” said Lynn Greene, fundraising and events coordinator at the hospital. “Hopefully, we will raise up to €10,000.

“All funds raised are going to the redevelopment of our kidney care unit.

“It’s a €1.2m project which started last July and we need €300,000 to complete it,” said Ms Greene.

Tickets cost €14 per adult, €9.50 per child.

Family tickets (two adults and two children) cost €38.

Apart from the money raised from the sale of gifts, all proceeds from BUPA Ireland’s Smithfield on Ice next Monday will be donated to the hospital’s kidney care unit.

You have all day to enjoy yourself while supporting a worthy cause, and skating beneath the stars is an option as the rink is open from 10am to 10pm.

And you don’t even need to bring your own skates as skate hire is included in the ticket price.

Warm layered clothing and a waterproof jacket is the best kit to wear.

Gloves and thick socks are recommended for beginners.

Booking: Visit www.smithfieldonice.ie and 01-4487777.