Hand in Hand has been working closely with a group of UCD students to launch a creative virtual challenge to raise awareness and vital funds during this difficult time.
The charity is asking the public to be creative by decorating a picture of their traced hand and post them on social media with the hashtags #StayApartToStayTogether and #HandInHand.
Hand in Hand is continuing to help families around the country through childhood cancer and is adapting its services and the way it works on a daily basis to continue to meet the needs of its clients.
Last week the charity sent out almost €3,000 of supermarket vouchers to alleviate some of the financial pressure during this time.
Having a child with cancer is stressful at the best of times and through treatment their immune systems are suppressed and any mild bug can be critical for the child.
Normally, the charity provides domestic cleaning and laundry services to help support the family in providing a sterile clean home environment for their child.
But because of the coronavirus, these services have largely been stopped to aide social distancing and protect the family.
Children with cancer are at a greater risk than ever because of this virus and COVID-19 is life threatening for immune-suppressed children.
The Charity is doing everything possible to support families from a distance; and has increased its offering to include supermarket vouchers and ramping up emotional support services such as online counselling and support from their in-house play therapist which can be provided remotely.
Fundraising income has ground to a halt for Hand in Hand as it has for many in the Charity sector.
Their largest Charity fundraiser, Dip in the Nip, that normally takes place in May is on hold until further notice.
With many people out of work or uncertain about their financial future the Charity has no idea when things will pick up again.
