Thousands raised for charitable causes thanks to youngster's craft

FIVE charities have received a much needed boost following the efforts of a local youngster.

Mark Ryan, 12, teamed up with his friend and neighbour in O’Brien’s Bridge, Jack Byrnes to create hand-made wooden reindeers.

These were sold over Christmas, with the proceeds used to benefit good causes locally.

Homelessness charity Novas received €700, Killaloe/Ballina Search and Recovery got the same amount.

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Meanwhile, there is a donation of €500 to the O’Brien’s Bridge Community Group.

The same amount went to a community group in nearby Montpelier, who are reviving the village’s church hall.

And Unicef’s Gaza children’s appeal received a donation of €300 from the generous duo.

All told, it means that the five charities have benefitted to a total of €2,700 from their handiwork.

The pair smashed through their initial fundraising target of €1,000.

They sold a mother, father and baby reindeer family in a bundle at €50.

Mammy reindeer by themselves cost €20, with mammies and babies in a set €30. A baby by themselves went for €15.

It’s the fifth year in a row young Mark has joined Jack in carving out the reindeer.

Jack said each of the past five years, he was offered the chance to keep some of the money for himself.

But on each occasion, the youngster turned this down.