Host Business policy

Criteria for Participation

As the collection takes place on a single morning and we have limited resources, we have criteria for participation so that our elves can get all the gifts collected, sorted and on their way to their intended recipient in the time allowed.

  • Requests for participation as a Host Business should be submitted via email/website form and requires approval by the board of trustees

  • New Host Businesses must be within an agreed distance of Galway City as defined by the board (currently 5 miles or 8km)

  • New Hosts are required to take a minimum number of tags as defined by the board (currently 25 tags)

  • Requests to register as a Host Business will be considered by the trustees on a case by case basis, cognizant of the size and location of the Host Business, potential traffic issues and business type

Waiting List

  • If we are at capacity, Host Businesses can request to be added to our waiting list to take part in subsequent years if they are deemed eligible to participate in line with our criteria

  • New Host Businesses who are located on an existing collection route may be given precedence

  • Eligible Hosts will be kept on the waiting list for no more than two years before being allowed to participate

Late Gifts

  • There is only one collection

  • An ‘early’ collection date will be printed on the tags in an effort to curb late donations

  • GGT makes no provision for the collection of late gifts but are happy to advise where such gifts can be dropped off

  • The onus is on the host to ensure that all gifts are ready for collection in time so as to not add pressure to already stretch agencies handling late gifts

Surplus Tag Requests

There is a fine balance to be maintained between the number of wishes we receive and the number of tags sent to Host Businesses.

If we end up with more requests for tags than wishes requested, some Host Businesses may be asked to take a reduced number of tags. Alternatively, we may check with our registered agencies to see who has additional needs and allow them to submit some additional wishes in line with the number of surplus tag requests.