Joanne joins Santa to kickstart Christmas
Joanne, 16, who was named the Rehab Young Person of the Year in September, said she was “thrilled and honoured” to be chosen to help officially kickstart the city’s Christmas count-down on St Patrick’s St.
“I turned the lights on in Millstreet last year after I won a West Cork Garda Youth Award. It’s Cork City this year. Next year, the world,” she joked.
She was joined in the countdown by Lord Mayor John Buttimer and throngs of children and grown-ups.
Joanne, who was born without arms or legs, was accompanied by parents Ann and Joe, brother Steven, sister Gillian, and niece Kylie, 3, who asked Santa for a keyboard.
Joanne’s Christmas lights countdown was filmed by her brother, Steven, for inclusion in his documentary, No Limbs, No Limits, which is part-funded by Rehab, and charts his sister’s remarkable life.
He has begun editing down some 45 hours of footage, which he hopes will be ready for a Cork premiere in April or May.
Joanne was honoured by the UN earlier this year for her courage in defying her disability.
During her address to a UN technology conference in New York, she challenged tech experts to build her a robot to help with everyday tasks.
But Joanne said logistical difficulties emerged which have effectively scrapped the project.
However, an Irish inventor contacted her and has begun working on a robot for her.
With the Christmas lights shining a week earlier this year, it is hoped the City will be able to boost the level of business.
The crowd last night was urged to return to the city streets when they are doing their shopping.
The city’s business leaders joined forces to echo this call.
“This a crucial time in the retail calendar and I hope that people will support local business which sustains local employment and retains money in the local economy,” said Cork Chamber chief executive Conor Healy.
The Cork Business Association thanked the city council for supporting the festive lights and encouraged people to avail of the free parking deals in city centre car parks, and use the Black Ash park and ride bus, which is free on Saturdays.
Spokesman Donal Healy said some of his members will mount a “shop in Cork” initiative over the coming weeks, with up to €150,000 in promotions, prizes, and vouchers on offer.
The city’s Christmas market on Grand Parade, and the Winter Wonderland in Bishop Lucey Park, are due to open on Nov 30.
