Jake lights up Blanchardstown Centre

POP sensation and winner of Dancing With The Stars 2018 Jake Carter was in Dublin 15 earlier this month to officially launch the Blanchardstown Centre's Giving Tree Appeal in aid of St Vincent de Paul.

Jake, a regular visitor to the centre, teamed up with Santa to switch on the centre’s Christmas lights and they were joined by some talented local children from Star Kids Stage School who perform regularly at the Dublin 15 shopping Mecca.

Customers at the event were treated to live festive performances from Jake as well as popular Motown band The Dionnes.

The Giving Tree was created to bring cheer to families by helping ensure no child is without a gift on Christmas morning. 

Shoppers and staff are asked to choose a card from the Giving Tree in Blanchardstown Centre and donate a gift such as toys, clothing or gift cards. 

Over 40,000 gifts have been collected and distributed by the Giving Tree Appeal since its inception 20 years ago.

The Giving Tree Appeal is made possible thanks to tremendous support from St Vincent de Paul volunteers, Fr Dan Joe O’Mahoney and the transition year pupils from Castleknock Community College. 

“This year, hundreds of struggling families across Dublin 15, will celebrate Christmas with the help of the St Vincent De Paul’s Giving Tree Appeal in Blanchardstown Centre,” said Sorcha Holmes of St Vincent de Paul.

“Our hope is that we can alleviate as much of this pressure as possible so that everyone can enjoy a happy Christmas with their families.

“Our local Volunteers will be working tirelessly to ensure this.

“We are hopeful that less people will go without this year.”

Mercy Prendergast, Marketing Manager with Blanchardstown Centre added: “We hope this worthy appeal will make Christmas magic for children in need.”

The Giving Tree will run until December 23 and is located on level 2 of the Blanchardstown Centre in front of Debenhams.