By Dionne Meehan
LETTERKENNY man, Tom Giblin is bringing Christmas to life as he prepares to open his live animal Nativity stable tomorrow.
Looking forward to welcoming back previous visitors and greeting new ones through his gates, Tom will kick off the festive season in style with the turning on of his Christmas lights at 6pm.
With the fundraiser now in its third year, this year, Tom has pulled out all the stops.
Beginning his fundraising mission in the late 70s, he has held numerous 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.
Fourteen years ago Tom acquired his first animal, a miniature Shetland pony.
And over the years he has built up, quite literally, a stable of miniature animals, from goats and pigs to donkeys and sheep.
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, Alzheimer’s Society of Ireland Donegal branch, Donegal Donkey Sanctuary and Good and New Cancer Bus Letterkenny.
Hoping to raise a whopping four figure sum for each beneficiary, Tom is now focusing on the “finer details” ahead of the big switch on.
Tom will be switching on his Christmas lights at 6pm tomorrow, Friday, December 6 before Santa arrives on the magical Rudolph Express Sleigh.
After Friday, the live animal Nativity stable opens daily from 10am to 10pm and will be open until January 6, 2025.
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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