Search is on for boy and girl who embody Christmas spirit in Waterford

He’s making a list and checking it twice: now Santa is set to see how the boys and girls in the west Waterford town of Dungarvan have not been naughty, but nice.

It’s the season for giving and, with festivities well under way, Dungarvan and West Waterford Chamber are on the lookout for one local boy and girl who embody their “spirit of Christmas”.

The chamber is calling on the local community to nominate any child under the age of 12 who has overcome adversity and come out the other side smiling.

“We need your help to find these families and special children,” a spokesperson for the chamber said, in a public appeal.

“Do you know a child that had to overcome a challenge or any difficulty themselves but with great courage and patience? Do you know a child that represents the spirit of Christmas with their generosity or maybe wonderful acts of kindness?

“Maybe they have a parent or a sibling with a disability or an illness so they always put their needs first?

“Please tell us so we can give them a very special Christmas.”

Jenny Beresford, CEO of Dungarvan Chamber of Commerce said the competition is part of Dungarvan Aglow, now in its second year.

“Without a doubt, this year has seen a bigger and better reaction to the competition. Last year, we were overwhelmed by the response we got, but already there has been a huge increase in nominations.

“It’s a great way for people to start looking around their community and it’s really lovely to see people giving something back.”

Ms Beresford said it’s not only families nominating children, with entries also coming from schools, sports clubs, and businesses.

The recipients will be presented with a gift package of goodies and vouchers worth more than €350.

All the prizes, which will be presented to the winners on December 19, have been sponsored by Dungarvan and West Waterford firms which, Ms Beresford said, highlights the community spirit in the area.

“It’s a very community-based competition and the whole of the Dungarvan Aglow theme is very community spirited.

“The support we have received from local businesses has been absolutely massive and they see the value of keeping business local and supporting activities such as this.”

• Those who wish to nominate someone special can contact Dungarvan and West Waterford Chamber of Commerce by email, post or on social media.