Wexford Family honour daughter’s memory and urge others to support Children’s Health Foundation’s this Christmas.
This Christmas, Children’s Health Foundation has launched ‘Save a Smile’ – a reminder that while some children will spend Christmas in hospital, the kindness of supporters across the country helps bring comfort and a little festive magic to them. The Walsh family from Wexford have kindly shared why they continue to support CHF each year in honour of their daughter, Chloe, and why they hope others will join them in supporting this year’s appeal.
When Helen Walsh talks about her daughter Chloe, the recollections are warm. Chloe was a bright, happy little girl who loved being outdoors, particularly in the garden, proudly showing off the worms she found in the soil. Chloe passed away in 2006 when she was a very little girl, but her memory still holds an extremely special place in the lives of the Walsh family.
In the months following her death, Helen and her family sought a way to remember Chloe while supporting other children and their families in times of hardship. A simple idea for a small fundraiser slowly evolved over the course of the next year.
“It really started by accident,” Helen recalls. “Someone suggested a dance, and then someone else mentioned adding a small auction.” What began as a modest plan soon grew into a meaningful annual event. That first dance in memory of Chloe marked the beginning of a long-running tradition of support for Children’s Health Foundation.
Over the years, the fundraiser has evolved through auctions and raffles, dances involving the local community. No matter the change, the reason it was initially put into place-to raise much-needed funds to care for sick children and their families in Temple Street, where Chloe was cared for remains the same.
The event, which typically takes place every May near Chloe’s anniversary, unites people in the spirit of generosity and remembering. Several supporters return annually. “The same faces come back. Some of them buy two or three tickets every year,” Helen says. “People are just so generous.”
Businesses, shops and hotels throughout Wexford have also given unstinting support – raffle prizes, vouchers and food baskets. Many of them make contact with Helen herself before she has to ask.
Chloe’s grandmother Kathleen has been part of the fundraiser since day one. She reminisces about the support the family has gotten, but she also talks lovingly of Chloe’s grandfather Tim, who died earlier this year. Before he died, Tim made sure one final donation would be given to Temple Street, a gesture reflective of the family’s ongoing wish to help others.
Over the years, Helen has collected many touching memories connected to the event. One outstanding case is that of an anonymous donor who quietly put €500 into a collection box in a local shop without seeking any form of acknowledgement or thanks.
The most recent fundraiser brought in the astonishing sum of €3,488. When asked how she has continued for so many years, Helen’s answer is simple: “It helps someone else.”
Every May, the Walsh family start preparing all over again – sourcing prizes, printing out tickets, and getting ready for another night of community spirit, generosity, and remembrance. The community in Killinick, and those farther afield, come together in Chloe’s memory to support Children’s Health Foundation and to make sure her legacy continues bringing comfort and care to others.
This year Children’s Health Foundation are encouraging everyone to Help ‘Save a Smile’ this Christmas. You can support the appeal today at childrenshealth.ie or text SAVEASMILE to 50300 to donate €4.(*Text costs €4, Children’s Health Foundation will receive a minimum of €3.40.
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