Waterford community group acknowledged in City Hall
Deputy Mayor Cllr John Pratt welcomed Mr & Ms Claus along with the Together We Can Community Group, to City Hall for a Mayoral reception in recognition of the groups commitment and dedication to bringing Santa at the Strand to Lismore, which has raised over €160,000 for charity and presented a scroll to Rudy Lyons on behalf of the group Photo: Joe Evans
One of County Waterford's most active community groups was recognised recently in City Hall with a mayoral reception.
Together We Can Community Group were welcomed to City Hall by Deputy Mayor of Waterford City & County, Cllr John Pratt.
"It is a great honour to acknowledge and celebrate the remarkable work of Together We Can," he said, commenting that the group's name "truly reflects the spirit, generosity and community pride of West Waterford".
"A special welcome to Santa and Mrs Claus; I hope the trip from Lapland went ok," he added referencing the appearance of the festive favourites at the event.
"Since 2019, Together We Can has transformed the now hugely successful Santa at the Strand event in Lismore into something far greater than a festive attraction," said Cllr Pratt.
"Through dedication, vision and an extraordinary community effort, the group has raised over €160,000 for charity, including an incredible €60,000 raised in 2025 alone," he added.
Cllr Pratt said the group's achievement was outstanding.
He also commented that the impact of their fundraising was far-reaching with beneficiaries including: St. Carthage’s Rest Home in Lismore, the Day Centre in Cappoquin, and the Little Blue Heroes Foundation.
He said they all benefited greatly from the generosity of what is a community-led initiative.
The Little Blue Heroes Foundation, supported by An Garda Síochána, provides support to seriously ill children and their families.
"It's heartening to see such meaningful causes supported through local action and goodwill," said Cllr Pratt.
"What makes, Together We Can truly special is the people behind it," he added.
Acknowledging those involved he said: "More than 25 hardworking committee members from towns and villages across West Waterford give freely of their time and energy year after year."
"In addition, over 200 volunteers come together annually to make Santa at the Strand possible, including the students from nearby secondary schools involved through the wonderful Elf Force initiative, who help guide families around the Santa site each Christmas," he said.
"That level of community participation is extraordinary and speaks volumes about the spirit that exists in this region," he added.
For seven years, Together We Can has continued to grow and what began as a community effort has become a well-established organisation making a lasting contribution to local development, inclusion and community wellbeing throughout West Waterford.
"Today, we celebrate not only the success of an event, but the power of community, volunteerism and compassion," said Cllr Pratt.
"Together, We Can have shown us all what is possible when people come together with a shared purpose and a determination to make a difference," he added.
Cllr Pratt went on to comment: "I want to thank every volunteer, supporter, sponsor and family involved. Your hard work has brought happiness to thousands, support to worthy causes, and pride to your community.
"Together, you truly are making a difference."
