Dublin dads create heartwarming Christmas video

A heartwarming Irish video made by two creative dads is spreading the message that kindness can change a life at Christmas.

Dubliners Ian Downes from Rush, and Derek Doyle from Coolock, colleagues at production company Play Area, wanted to give something back to Team Hope – the charity which sends tens of thousands of Christmas shoebox gifts from Ireland to children affected by poverty in Africa and Eastern Europe.

Inspired by the story Bunny’s Shoebox Journey, written by Rachel Browne, the pair brought the story to life in animation.

‘Kindness Finds its Way’ shows a baby bunny packing up a shoebox of gifts before taking it to the post office.

As the special package goes on a long journey across land and sea, it falls off a dog sled, landing in the snow, where a kind Team Hope helper in the shape of a turtle rescues it.

He delivers the precious package to a straw-covered hut where a lonely fox thinks he’s been forgotten, only to find Christmas came after all.

“We wanted to do something that gives back to kids around the world,” said Mr Downes, 36.

“I would have done the shoeboxes as a child and in more recent years with my wife Katie, a primary school teacher.

“When Derek and I read the book, we decided to take the shoebox on a cinematic journey – I’ve always wanted to make a Christmas ad.

“You have that moment when things fall apart and you have that hero moment.

“The heroes in all of this are the Team Hope guys.”

According to the charity’s CEO, Deborah Lowry, the ad captures the heart of the Christmas shoebox appeal.

“On our 15th anniversary, Ian and Derek’s creative vision has turned a simple story into something deeply moving and their decision to do this pro-bono speaks volumes of their generosity,” she said.

Team Hope last week passed the 3 million mark for the number of shoeboxes donated from Ireland since 2010.

While thousands are already on their way to children in time for Christmas, there’s still time for donors to send a personalised €25 shoebox online through teamhope.ie, right up until Christmas Eve.

To watch the video please click on the following link