NEWS

Namaste,

The holiday season is a time for kindness, connection, and giving back. At Himalaya Yoga Valley, one of our most cherished traditions is our Giving Tree for Children in Direct Provision. This initiative, now in its fifth year, has always been about the power of community—and the people of Cork never fail to amaze us with their generosity and compassion. We need your help to hit our most ambitious generosity goal! 

This year, we’re determined to make Christmas magical for 100 children and young people aged 0-18 living in Direct Provision. With your help, we can make sure every child feels the joy of the season.

Why the Giving Tree Matters

Direct Provision is a system that provides accommodation, food, and basic support for asylum seekers in Ireland. While it ensures basic needs are met, life in Direct Provision often comes with significant challenges:

• Lack of Personal Space: Families often live in cramped, shared accommodations, with little privacy or room to play. Kids lose much of their childhoods in Direct Provision.
• Isolation: Many children and young people in Direct Provision are separated from extended family and friends, making it hard to feel a sense of belonging. Children and young people often see their peers and classmates experiencing traditional milestones and celebrations and miss out on these.
• Limited Opportunities: Access to extracurricular activities, toys, and other forms of enrichment is minimal, leaving many children without the joys we take for granted.

For children, these challenges can make Christmas—a time that should be filled with joy and excitement—feel like just another difficult day. That’s why the Giving Tree is so important. It’s not just about gifts; it’s about showing these children that they are seen, cared for, and supported by their community. That’s us!

How You Can Help

We’ve already matched 70 children with gifts, but we still need 30 more amazing people to step forward and make this Christmas special.

Here’s how to get involved:

1️⃣ Pick a Tag: Visit our Ballincollig or City Centre studios to choose a tag from the Giving Tree. Can’t make it in? Email us at info@yogacorkireland.com, and we’ll send you the tag details virtually.
2️⃣ Choose a Gift: Buy a thoughtful present valued between €25-40 for the child on your tag. Team up with a friend if you’d like to share the cost!
3️⃣ Attach the Tag: Secure the tag to your wrapped gift.
4️⃣ Drop It Off: Bring your gift back to the studio by December 11th.

The Impact of Your Kindness

Every year, your generosity transforms lives. These gifts will be part of a festive Christmas party on December 14th, where over 100 children & young people will gather to celebrate, laugh, and open their surprises.

For children in Direct Provision, this party is more than just a fun event—it’s a moment of pure joy and a chance to feel like any other kid during the holidays.

Your kindness helps create:

Smiles on young faces as they open gifts chosen just for them.
A sense of inclusion and belonging within their community.
Memories of a Christmas filled with love, care, and excitement.

Cork’s Big Heart

Cork has always been a city of kindness, and the success of the Giving Tree year after year is a testament to the warmth of this community. Whether you’re joining us for the first time or have supported this initiative before, your contribution makes a world of difference.

Be Part of the Magic

How You Can Help Right Now:

• Drop by our studios to pick up a tag.
• Email us to get matched with a child.
• Spread the word to friends, family, or coworkers—every little bit helps!

Let’s come together to make this Christmas unforgettable for these incredible kids.

✨ Deadline to Drop Off Gifts: December 10th
Christmas Party Date: December 14th

Thank you, Cork, for always showing up with open hearts and generosity. Together, we can brighten the holidays for people who deserve every bit of joy we can give.

Yours in gratitude,

The Himalaya Yoga Valley Team ❤️