Host Families Speak Of Heartbreak Following The Cancellation Of The Annual Chernobyl Kids’ Christmas Visit

For the first time in 20 years orphaned children from the Chernobyl region of Belarus will not be flying to Ireland this Christmas for their traditional “Santa Claus rest and recuperation holidays” with host families all around the country. 

Each year between 50 and 60 children, many of whom are orphans with complex medical conditions, fly into Dublin and Shannon Airports to meet their host families for a Christmas break. 

Host families have spoken of their heartbreak following the cancellation of the annual Chernobyl kids’ Christmas visit for the first time in 20 years. 

Trina Gilchrest was inspired when she saw the children arriving in Ireland on the news and got involved with CCI, she has been hosting children and the north Dublin chairperson since 2009. 

Trina Gilchrest joined Lunchtime Live this morning to discuss what it's like not being able to host people this year.

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