Students urge shoppers to Share

As synonymous with Christmas in Cork as spiced beef, the Share fundraising campaign got under way last night with the official opening of the famous Daunt Square crib.

Now in its 42th year and fronted by selfless students willing to go without for a worthy cause (ie, raising money to put roofs over the heads of the deserving elderly) — this campaign only runs in Cork City until Christmas Eve, so the message is: “Dig deep”.

This year, 1,800 students from 22 schools will take part in the 24-hour fast, rung in last night to the sound of the Band of the Southern Brigade.

“We are mindful that this year will be yet another challenging year for us, and for people generally,” said John Higgins, 17, chairman of the Share executive. ‘We know everyone is suff-ering cuts and we emp-athise with them. We also know that the people of Cork have always shown immense generosity and open-heartedness when it comes to Share.”

People can donate at Share cribs in the city and suburbs or at the Brother Jerome Kelly Day Care Centre in Sheare’s Street.

In tandem with the Share launch, shoppers witnessed the opening of colourful Christmas markets on Grand Parade and the Coal Quay. The former opens daily from 10am to 8pm until Dec 23 while the latter runs this weekend only. Food, gifts, kids workshops and local bands will feature, as well as all the fresh local produce you require for the Christmas Dinner at the Coal Quay Foodies Street Market.