Look back at WLR's Christmas Appeal 2020

The final event for WLR's Christmas Appeal 2020, The Virtual Christmas Swim, wrapped up yesterday (27th), bringing to an end one of the most successful, and most important appeals ever hosted by the station.

Run in conjunction with the local St Vincent De Paul for over 30 years, the Christmas Appeal has raised thousands of euro for people in need in Waterford. This year with Covid-19, the need is greater than ever, and the people of Waterford rose to the occasion.

Over 95,000 euro was raised through a number of events and we would like to thank EVERYONE who took part in any way. Here is a break down of some of the main events:

On Saturday 5th December members of the Mark White Taekwondo and Fitness club rowed in behind the appeal once again when they took part in a 12 hour rowathon and cycling challenge which raised a whopping 15,000. Our thanks to Tramore AFC who hosted the event and to everyone who took part.

Roy Collins and friends from the Waterford Fire Service organised a magnificent event which was enjoyed by lots of Waterford families. The Santa Visit, held at the Copper Coast Mini Farm, raised 3,820. Visitors got meet Santa and tell him what they want for Christmas, they also got to wander around the magical manger and meet all of Santas animals. We would like to thank Roy and all the members of the fire service as well as the local gardai who co-ordinated the event over the weekend. Also huge thanks to Copper Coast Mini Farm who hosted the event, Clem Jacob Hire, Dooleys Fish and Chips, Morris' DIY and Waterford Spraoi.

Red to work was another fantastic success this year, despite the fact that many people are remote working due to Covid-19. Over 70 businesses took part, as well as some Waterford schools. Here are a selection of some of the photos that were sent in to us. A total of 11,500 was raised so again thanks to all the businesses who signed up this year.

Care For a Cuppa returned this year, with a difference. Once again we were asking people to donate the cost of a cup of coffee to the appeal. However this year all events were socially distanced and Covid friendly. Four outdoor events were organised across the county and a total of 3,449 was raised.

Liberty Blue estate agents hosted one event in The Apple Market, in association with Blue Butterfly Coffee. Music was provided by The Piano Man.

In Dunmore East, The Lemon Tree hosted an outdoor coffee morning with mince pies, mulled wine and coffee provided by Barist Bay Coffee Co.

There were also events in Dungarvan hosted by Cass & Co, and in Trmaore hosted by Mollys on The Prom.

A new event on the Christmas Appeal calendar this year was the 12 dogs of Christmas which was run on The Big Breakfast Blaa in conjunction with Pet Necessities. Each day, over 12 days, Ollie and Mary announced the top dog of the day, and the winner collected a voucher from Pet Necessities. A total of 1,300 was raised. Here are a selection of the award winning pooches who took part.

Our thanks also to the Transition Year students from Gaelscoil Colaiste, De La Salle, The Ursline and St Declans in Kilmacthomas, who all took part in the 1,000 kms in a day. Together the students covered a total of 1,000 kms in one day, some on The Greenway, some on their school grounds. Together the schools raised 3,000 and managed to also keep fit!