'Belfast Easter Bunny,' 14, receives prestigious award for volunteers

Jasmine Parker, a Belfast teenager who collected thousands of Easter eggs to distribute to children in Northern Ireland hospitals, has been given the Points of Light award by British Prime Minister Rishi Sunk.

The inspiring 14-year-old, who earned the nickname the ‘Belfast Easter Bunny,' was presented the award this month by the Belfast Giants ice hockey team.

In a profile of the Belfast teen, Points of Light said: "Jasmine’s first appeal started in 2016 when she was six, and had the idea to give chocolate eggs to children in hospitals over the Easter period, to help brighten their stay.

"In her first year, she delivered 100 eggs and, with support from the local community, the campaign has continued to grow each year. 

"Jasmine has also put together Christmas hampers and toy appeals for local families in difficult circumstances, and works with hospitals to donate small gift bags for children undergoing day procedures, as well as undertaking fundraising challenges for various charities in the Greater Belfast area."

“I cannot believe I have won this award, WOW what an honor," Jasmine said upon winning the award.

“My Easter appeal is all about making children smile. Making others smile makes me happy and I have made 1000s of children smile and what could be a difficult Easter in hospital. I love that I have so much support from members of the public and businesses as without them my appeal wouldn’t be possible. I hope I’m able to continue my appeal for many more years to come.”

Northern Ireland's Secretary of State Chris Heaton-Harris congratulated Jasmine, saying: “Her generosity has made a real difference to children and families going through difficult times, and I’m delighted she has been recognized by the Prime Minister for her amazing work on behalf of the local community.”

Congratulations Jasmine! 🎉

Jasmine Parker A.K.A the Belfast Easter Bunny won the Belfast Points of Light award for her work collecting and donating over 6,000 Easter eggs to children in NI hospitals 👏https://t.co/ExrM60iUDm pic.twitter.com/UV1CIaLk4U

— Northern Ireland Office (@NIOgov) April 17, 2024

Jasmine is the 2,304th recipient of the daily Points of Light award, which was first launched in April 2014 to honor outstanding individual volunteers who are making a change in their community.

Ahead of Easter this year, Jasmine said she was hoping to deliver 3,000 Easter eggs. She got a helping hand from the Belfast Giants, who have invited fans to donate eggs at their matches in the run-up to Easter.

On March 31, the day after Easter, Jasmine posted a TikTok announcing that she was able to donate more than 4,200 Easter eggs this year.

@belfast.easter.bu my 2024 easter appeal . 4268 easter eggs delivered including allergy free eggs and bags of sweets for those who don't like chocolate 🥰🥰 #easter #eastereggs #chairty #chocolate #smiles #viral #popular #hospital ♬ DJ FLASHING LIHGTS POPULAR - TUTU YETE