In December 2024 we reintroduced the Birmingham Irish Association Toy Appeal with the aim of supporting our wonderful community again.

The toy appeal was created to focus on helping individuals and families who were struggling at Christmas due to the cost of living crisis.

There has been a consistent support for our toy appeals throughout the years from the local schools around Birmingham and the GAA clubs as well as members of our community.

We are pleased to announce that the 2024 Toy Appeal has been a huge success after the organisation received an outstanding donation of toys again this year. We are always very taken back by the kindness of people at such a costly time of year.

The response to our organisation’s appeals are always amazing but this year with the crisis affecting even more people in our community it has touched our hearts to see the generosity and kindness that has been shown.

We would like to give a special mention to Eddie O’Connor and Bishop Challoner Catholic College with whose support made this appeal possible. The school opened their doors every day and collected the donations, sorted through selected toys for families who were in contact with us and also helped with delivering the toys to the affected families in time for Christmas.

There is a lot of time, organisation and passion that goes into a project like this and we cannot thank Eddie, the students, teachers and parents enough for supporting us every step of the way.

We hope there were a lot of smiles on Christmas day, which would not be possible without the continued support and outstanding toy donations we receive each year. 

The Staff and Trustee’s at Birmingham Irish Association are truly grateful to everyone who has got involved, had amazing community spirit and made a difference to a child’s Christmas.

"The volume of toys donated was a clear sign of the incredible Birmingham community spirit. The Coming together of households, schools, GAA clubs, businesses and establishments across the city, at a time of great need for many families who faced real challenges of providing food for their loved ones and heating the home.

"Children are entitled to smile, especially at Christmas time.

The combination of efforts brought many smiles into homes this Christmas. On behalf of the Birmingham Irish Association, we would like to thank everyone for supporting this incredible charity."

Eddie O’Connor (Trustee of Birmingham Irish Association)