Christmas is about more than good food and getting together with family and friends. It’s also a time for generosity, kindness and looking out for others.
Eight years ago, we wanted to bring a little extra Christmas spirit to East Ferry Farm by doing something to give back to our community. Our annual Christmas charity competition was born, giving our customers the chance to nominate a charity close to their hearts.
Each year, one lucky winner receives a delicious East Ferry Farm free-range turkey or goose, and we donate money to the charity they’ve chosen. It’s a simple idea, but one that has become a Christmas tradition we look forward to every year.
We’re always delighted to see the causes our customers care about and to learn more about the organisations doing such important work. Most of all, we’re grateful to everyone who has entered, nominated a charity and helped spread a little extra kindness at Christmas.
As we prepare for another year, we’re looking back at the people and charities that have been part of our competition since 2018.
Our Christmas charity competition winners
2018 – Penny Dinners, Cork
Our 2018 Christmas competition winner was Olive Hennessy, who nominated Penny Dinners, Cork, to receive the €200 charity donation. Robbie visited to present the cheque to Caitriona Twomey of Penny Dinners.
It was a lovely way to begin a tradition centred on generosity and supporting people in our community.
2019 – Marymount University Hospice
Breda Paul was our 2019 competition winner, nominating Marymount University Hospice to receive the €200 donation.
Marymount provides specialist palliative care and support to people with life-limiting illnesses and their families.
2020 – Irish Cancer Society
In 2020, Jennifer Flynn won our Christmas turkey or goose and chose the Irish Cancer Society as her nominated charity.
The Irish Cancer Society works to support people affected by cancer and fund vital cancer research. We were delighted to be able to contribute to such an important cause.
2021 – Our Lady’s Hospice & Care Services
Rachel Douglas was our 2021 winner and nominated Our Lady’s Hospice & Care Services in Dublin to receive the €200 donation.
The organisation provides specialist hospice and palliative care to people with life-limiting conditions, along with support for their families.
2022 – Focus Ireland
Our 2022 winner was Linda O’Riordan, who nominated Focus Ireland.
Focus Ireland works to prevent homelessness and supports people experiencing homelessness to find and maintain a home.
2023 – The Midleton Hub
Louise O’Brien was our 2023 competition winner and chose The Midleton Hub as her nominated charity.
Based in Midleton, East Cork, The Midleton Hub is a mental health and wellbeing charity committed to providing a confidential, safe and person-centred counselling and psychotherapy service.
2024 – Midleton Meals on Wheels
Thomasina Cashman was our 2024 winner and nominated Midleton Meals on Wheels to receive the €200 donation.
Meals on Wheels services help people in their communities by providing meals and supporting people who may have difficulty preparing food for themselves.
2025 – Kindness Krew Cork
In 2025, Mary Morey won our Christmas competition and nominated Kindness Krew Cork to receive the €200 donation.
Kindness Krew Cork is a group of caring individuals who help people struggling with homelessness, addiction and mental health difficulties in Cork City.
We’re delighted that Mary’s nomination helped us support a group doing such important work for people in need.
Looking forward to Christmas 2026
We’re so grateful to everyone who has helped make this competition a Christmas tradition over the past eight years. Your nominations have introduced us to wonderful charities and reminded us how much good can come from people supporting the causes they care about.
And now it’s time to do it all again!
For our 2026 Christmas charity competition, we’re increasing our donation to €250 for the winner’s chosen charity.
One lucky winner will receive an East Ferry Farm free-range turkey or goose, and we’ll donate €250 to their nominated registered Irish charity.
Keep an eye on our Facebook and Instagram pages for details of how to enter. We can’t wait to see which charity you choose this year.
Thank you for being part of our Christmas tradition. Here’s to another year of good food, generosity and giving back! ❤️
