Tom’s two piglets, Pil and Pal completes the scene.
By Dionne Meehan
LETTERKENNY man, Tom Giblin is bringing Christmas to life as he prepares to open his live animal Nativity stable.
Launching the fundraiser for the first time last year, this year, Tom has pulled out all the stops.
Despite having to postpone his fundraiser for one week due to extreme weather conditions, Tom is looking forward to welcoming the public through his gates this weekend.
Beginning his fundraising mission in the late 70s, Tom has held a number of small fundraising events over the years.
Originally from Sligo, Tom came from humble beginnings.
A pony and a donkey were his dad’s proud possessions.
Thirteen years ago Tom acquired his first animal, a miniature Shetland pony.
Over the years Tom has built up, quite literally, a stable of miniature animals, from goats and pigs to donkeys.
All that was left to add to the scene was a life size Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus.
The money raised from this major fundraiser will be equally shared across 16 charities including St Vincent De Paul Letterkenny, Children’s Hospital Crumlin/ Temple Street, Pieta House North West, Jack & Jill Foundation, Little Blue Heroes, Irish Wheelchair Association, Bumbleance Donegal, MS Ireland/ Donegal, Little Angels School, St. Bernadette’s Special School, Donegal Hospice, Donegal Down Syndrome, Blue Stack Special Needs Foundation, Blood Bikes North West, Donegal Donkey Sanctuary and the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association.
Hoping to raise a whopping four figure sum for each beneficiary, Tom is now focusing on the “finer details” ahead of Sunday.
“We are just getting to the finer details, dotting the Is and crossing the Ts.
“Come rain, hail, hell or high water, Santa will be there on Sunday,” he said.
With a blessing of the live animal Nativity stable set to take place at 4.15pm this Sunday, December 17, Tom will be switching on his Christmas lights at 4.30pm before Santa arrives on the magical Rudolph Express Sleigh at 4.50pm.
After Sunday, the live animal Nativity stable opens at 9.30am and closes at 10.30pm and will be open to January 6, 2024.
Donations can be made to a donation box on-site at eircode F92 C194 or via Revolut on 086 068 6968.
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