About Cork City Hospital Children’s Club
In 1994 a group of staff at the Regional Hospital Cork ( now CUH ) came together to form this club. Their idea was simple to give children with illness a deserving a break from their reality.
The very first Trip was Lapland that year back in 1994. Since 1995 we have taken children every year to Disneyland Paris and expanded to some special events in Ireland also.
It was and remains a club run by volunteers. All money raised is used towards our events. We are completely non-profit and a registered charity of Ireland.
Our group of volunteers is made up of all walks of life. From Doctors, pharmacists, paramedics, nurses, guards, firemen, security officers, clerical workers, social workers, deaf association staff.
All people that give their time to make our club a very special place.
Our Chairman John Looney is in the club since 1994. Cork Person of the year 2016.
John has worked vigorously for nearly 40 years to make sure all our events are run to the highest standards giving children that once in a life time experience.
We fundraise for our three main events as well as some individual breaks for families in real need.
Our Three Main Events
Our events kick off in March
St Patricks Day Parade in Cork City.
We host families in our very own seated stand in the heart of Patrick Street.
Our guests get treated to the best views of the Parade as well as some pleasant surprises on the day.
We take to the sky’s in October on a trip of a life time Disneyland, Paris
Disneyland Paris has been come our main adventure abroad.
Taking 80 people including volunteers and families each year.
We take care of everything so that this trip gives children memories that last a lifetime.
Our Winter Wonder Land. Each December
Each Christmas we bring 240 children from across Munster to see Santa Clause. We collect and bring them by Guard escort to our winter wonderland. Moving to Paric Caoimh this December.
The children have their own private sitting with Mr & Mrs Clause catering for their needs .ie the deaf children have their own interpreter and usually for the first time can actually speak to Santa Clauses.
There are clowns, face painters’ disco, party foods and every child leaves with a framed photo and a present selected especially for them.
Other Trips Organised for Children
Some of the families that get nominated to us can not make a big journey or might not be able to come on our main trip for these families we arrange alternative family breaks.
To mention a few Trabolgan, Quality Hotel Clonakilty, The Park Hotel Dungarvan, Dublin Zoo. We have also sent individual families to Disneyland Paris and Lego Land in London.
Adventure days have also been arranged Vintage cars around Kinsale with canoeing and water activities.
Cruising the Shannon on luxury yachts and many more.
All done in a safe and secure environment.
We held a Guiness World Record for the largest “Ring a Ring A Rosy” around Wilton Shopping Centre back in 2013.
Since the club started 88 children have passed away but we are proud of the wonderful memories we have helped create for their families.
