Culture
04 Dec 25

Christmas Toy Drive for children in international protection and homeless accommodation nears its target

Find out where to donate below.

The Christmas Toy Drive for children in international protection and homeless accommodation has almost reached its target of €60,000.

The fundraiser, hosted by Bohemian FC in collaboration with Bang Bang, Focus Ireland, DHL, the RDS and Smyths Toys, is on its 8th annual run and has raised just over €59,000 so far. The project aims to ensure as many children in the community who are facing housing insecurity receive a gift for Christmas.

The drive also accepts physical gift donations, new and unwrapped gifts to be left at Bang Bang in Phibsborough.

“Every year the toy drive provides an opportunity to our community to show that they care about the children living in our asylum system and homeless services," says Daniel Lambert, COO of Bohemian FC. “With the collective effort of our community, we can make a significant difference in their lives. Small acts can have a big impact.”

On October 31, an international protection centre was set on fire in Drogheda, with a total of 28 people living there at the time. Four children, including a baby, were among five people rescued from the top floor. Gardaí believe the fire was set intentionally, with the cause of the fire determined to be from a discharge of fireworks. Several individuals were taken to hospital, but no one sustained serious injuries.

Following the attack, the Irish Refugee responded with a statement condemning the arson.

"Families, children, and babies who have fled war and persecution targeted as they tried to rebuild their lives," the statement read. "Those responsible are a tiny minority and do not reflect the proud and welcoming spirit and people of the Drogheda community. This appalling incident is another salient reminder of the need for strong leadership — both locally and nationally - to stand against hatred and uphold compassion and solidarity."

A recent figure from the Department Of Housing published last week has shown that homelessness in Ireland has reached a record high, with 16,766 people in homeless accommodation during the last week of October. Of those people, 5,238 are children. Additionally, the report showed that there has been a 13.5 percent increase of children experiencing homelessness compared to October 2024.