Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

santa's workshop

Irish building apprentices deliver handmade toys to children's charities

The Sisk & Son construction company has been making toys for charities at Christmas for the last 40 years.

Colm Mahady / Fennells Colm Mahady / Fennells / Fennells

IRISH APPRENTICES HAVE been delivering toys they made to children’s charities this week ahead of Christmas.

The John Sisk & Son construction company started its toy project more than 40 years ago. Today it has a training facility for apprentice carpenters and joiners in Dublin and this is where their Christmas workshop is located each year.

Work on the toys starts in mid-November and suppliers provide materials like wood and fixings at special rates.

Colm Mahady / Fennells Colm Mahady / Fennells / Fennells

When the toys are finished, the apprentices – some dressed in Santa suits – load the toys into and deliver them to charities all across the country.

They also gift toys to a number of UK charities.

Training centre manager Dave Tracey said the tradition has gone from strength to strength over the last four decades.

“The toys are handmade by our apprentice carpenters and joiners, utilising the skills taught to them at our training centre in Dublin. The toys are donated to deserving causes all around Ireland, the UK and further afield,” he said.

“This our way of giving something back to the communities that have supported us throughout the year.

Colm Mahady / Fennells Colm Mahady / Fennells / Fennells

“The talented apprentices that built these toys are the future of the construction industry and it’s clear to see the satisfaction they get from being involved in such a positive project. At the end of their training, these apprentices will have a skill set that will last a lifetime and enable them to work anywhere.”

Read: ‘It’s tough to be away from home’: Varadkar visiting Irish troops in Lebanon>

Your Voice
Readers Comments
10
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy here before taking part.
Leave a Comment
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.

    Leave a commentcancel