Cobh man bringing the gift of Christmas to all in annual present drive

Cork man Ashley Gould, owner of A+ Fitness in Cobh has been running a Christmas event for the last several years where he gathers hundreds of Christmas presents for less fortunate children.

He told The Echo: “This is our eighth year running it. When I had kids of my own I became aware that lots of people are less fortunate and not as lucky as my own children. I have three boys now, and I tell them that they’re fortunate to have what they have.” 

They met on Saturday at Cobh GAA Hall for the annual gathering of all the gifts, with groups and organisations involved in the project also attending.

He explained that as well as running a fitness business, he is also a member of the defence forces, so his section, area records and data management, support the event, as do coaches, clients, previous clients and family members of his fitness group.

This year, the navy have come on board too, led by Chief David Quigley of the LE William Butler Yates, while local clubs and groups are also a part of the event including Ber Rowe at Coral Leisure Cobh, Cobh Boxing Club and Springfield Ramblers football club, where his sons play and he coaches.

“It’s a huge event,” he said. “What I do every year is reach out to the girls in Edel House and they’ll give me a list of children with their gender and ages.

“I give out the kids details to whoever puts their name forward, and this year we’re catering for over 350 kids, it’s grown every year.” 

He explained that the support has been so great that they are getting multiple presents for the youngest children on the list, as the list was full within 24 hours, yet more people kept signing up to get involved.