‘Operation Blue Light Santa’ fundraising events in Longford

Constance enquired if the local police department had a Blue Santa. Constance explained that the Police Department in Texas raises money every year to buy toy sand necessities for those who find themselves in difficult times. Having considered the concept “Operation Blue Light Santa" was born.

The Operation Blue Light Santa Team is made up of Longford Blue Light front line services, including members of the community and supported by Siobhan Cronogue and her team in Longford Public Participation Network.

The Team realised there are many fantastic charities and not-for-profit organisations in County Longford that reach out and provide services to those who find themselves in hard times. The team put their own unique spin on a fundraising initiative.

They approached journalist Jessica Thompson and artist Nicole Forster and asked them if they would like to produce a children’s book to coincide with the initiative.

Jessica and Nicole kindly agreed and this year’s children’s book ‘Operation Blue Nose Reindeer’ will be landing in Longford on Saturday.

This year’s fundraiser is in aid of Bridgeways FRC, Lus na Gréine FRC and Little Blue Heroes. The Blue Light Santa Team have also organised an array of events to suit all tastes.

On Saturday, December 3, at 12 noon, a Christmas Community Fun Day will take place in Slashers Ballroom where a disco will be held. Blue Santa will be landing by air ambulance at 1pm with this year’s children’s book ‘Operation Blue Nose Reindeer’ and Mrs Claus and The Elves arrive by VIP Garda escort. This is a very popular event advertised on Eventbrite and tickets sold out quickly.

Author of ‘Operation Blue Nose Reindeer’, Jessica Thompson said, “This is our second book. It tells the story of Rudolf, who realises one foggy Christmas Eve that his nose won't glow.

"The problem sparks a series of events where local Gardaí, ambulance crew and other helpers scramble to find a solution to help him to find his glow. This year's book encourages children to talk about how they're feeling. It's okay to be sad and sometimes you just need a good friend to help you through.”

On Saturday, December 10, the Longford Ambulance Crew will do a CPR demonstration in Longford Shopping Centre. (more details to follow).

On Sunday, December 11 at 3pm, an afternoon tea with welcome drinks upon arrival will take place in Longford Rugby Club with guest speakers, Operation Transformation Inspector Davy Cryan, Beauty Guru Ann-Marie Brady and Nutritional Therapist, Laura Thompson. There will be music by Harpist Niamh Columb. Tickets €25.

On Saturday, December 17, an 80’s night disco with DJ Ronan Bleakley will take place in the Breffni Arms, Arva. Doors open at 10:30pm and tickets are €15.

On Sunday, December 18, the Operation Blue Light Santa Team presents ‘The Mulligan Sisters Christmas Concert by Candlelight’ in St Matthew’s Church, Ballymahon at 6pm. Tickets €15.

Businesses from near and far have very kindly sponsored fabulous prizes for a draw which will take place on Wednesday, December 21 between 5pm and 7pm in Longford Shopping Centre. Longford Gospel Choir will provide the musical entertainment, while Shelbourne FC Management along with Shels FC player and Longford man, Aodh Dervin, will be in attendance to oversee the draw.

Tickets for the draw are €5 each and they will be on sale at the various events and from the Operation Blue Light Santa Committee.

Prizes are as follows: €500 fuel voucher – Nally’s Circle K; Water Flight – Midlands Aviation; two tickets to a 3Arena Concert of Choice with VIP Access; Voucher for two to Aqua Sana Center Parcs with 90 minute treatment and lunch.

There are two Tickets to the Take it to the Limit Tour & one night B&B Shearwater Hotel; Signed Shelborne Jersey and two tickets to Shelbourne FC Game; Longford Football Club Airtricity Season Ticket and merchandise; Derma Peel Bundle (Precision Health); two tickets to the Take it to the Limit Tour and one night B&B Headford Arms Hotel.

There will also be further prizes at the events and details of these prizes will be announced.

Tickets for any of these events can be obtained by contacting longford.community@garda.ie , 087-7030328 or by making contact with Community Gardai or Longford Ambulance Crew.

The Operation Blue Light Santa Team would like to thank every single person, organisation, club and business for their incredible support of the ‘Operation Blue Light Santa’ fundraisers.