Belles ring, are you listening?

By Finnian Cox

A Cork-based women’s choir have announced they will be back in action this Christmas, raising funds for Cork Penny Dinners.

First appearing on Cork’s streets in 2011, the Jingle Belles 40-strong choir have raised almost €100,000 for the Cork Penny Dinners cause.

As well as a performance on the beat in Cork city on 21 December, 22 Sunday will see them join forces with Saint Luke’s Male Voice Choir for a performance at Live at St Lukes.

Cork Penny Dinners is a charity that provides free meals to those that need them, as well as combating the loneliness and isolation that many of those that they work with face.

In a statement on their website, the charity said they operate with an “empathy for our fellow human beings and a willingness to offer a hand in support”.

“Our volunteers come from all walks of life; nurses, truck drivers, scientists, general operatives, musicians, teachers, students, solicitors, unemployed people, retired people and clergy,” they said.

“Sometimes a cup of tea, a handshake or a friendly chat can go a long way towards beating the loneliness and isolation that is a big issue for many that come our way.”

A volunteer organisation, the charity does not receive any government funding, and as such they rely entirely on donations and fundraiser events.

In order to help raise additional funds for the organisation, Jingle Belle Patricia Shalloe came up with the idea of selling Christmas cards made by the choir.

An illustration student at Douglas Street Campus, which is part of Cork Further Education and Training (FET), Patricia’s first design featured the Jingle Belles, and was produced as a part of her coursework.

A member of the choir for six years, Patricia’s idea was evidently a hit as this year’s stock has already sold out, with a bigger print run planned for next year.