Over the last four days, 82 transition year students braved the elements dressed in full Santa gear to complete a gruelling 4 day cycle from Dublin to Cork via Killarney in a bid to raise funds for the Chernobyl Children’s Project and Gaisce - The President’s Award. The great fundraising initiative is part of their ‘7 steps programme’ which has been introduced to schools in Ireland for the 1st time this year.

Ricky Galvin of 'Ricky Galvin Tyres' is the lucky winner of the vintage oval 1956 Volkswagen Beetle. The raffle took place on December 16th in Dripsey and the winner was announced by Denis Dineen,the group leader of CCPI Dripsey Outreach Group. The innovative fundraiser was a great success raising €24,060 towards the Dripsey 'Home of Hope'. We would like to thank all those who supported the raffle and Denis for all his hard work making it a success.

Diabetes has increased one hundred percent in Gomel, Belarus since the Chernobyl disaster. People on insulin usually use between 3- 10 strips per day. In Belarus, the state allocates 1 blood test strip per day per child to over 500 diabetic children in Gomel. Fortunately, CCPI, in conjuction with the Diabetes Federation of Ireland were able to successfully deliver much-needed glucometers and test strips to the children.

Under the guidance of Dr Bill Novick and his expert surgical team, a cardiac mission is taking place in the Amisov Institute, Kiev, Ukraine over the next two weeks. Already little children like Misha have been operated on successfully and are about to go back home after recuperation at the hospital. Without key donors and supporters of this life-saving programme, these children would not survive beyond 3 to 5 years. The volunteers who work non-stop to save these children's lives are to be commended. Thank you to Dr Novick and his teams for their dedication and committment to saving lives.

Chernobyl Children's Project International has just launched it 'Christmas Gifts of Hope' Catalogue. Adi Roche, CEO of CCPI announced a great selection of alternative gifts for family, friends, loved ones, colleagues and clients this Christmas. By buying a CCPI Charity Gift, as a company or individual you will be giving a life-saving gift to many children across the Chernobyl regions. Your contribution will make a real difference to every child and family we can help. Adi appealed to the public to 'Give what you can and help us give back hope to the children of the Chernobyl regions this Christmas'.