MANY local charities are holding special events and initiatives during the Christmas period as part of fund-raising efforts.
We have listed some of the main efforts along with links for making donations online.
Northern Ireland Hospice
The Northern Ireland Hospice has again organised its Lights to Remember appeal which provides a way for people to remember a loved one.
The Christmas tree lights were switched on in a ceremony on Thursday evening (December 18) at the Hospice on Somerton Road in Belfast.
Make a donation to Lights to Remember appeal.
N.I. Children’s Hospice
Over at the Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice its Little Stars Christmas Appeal is continuing. The charity says they will support almost 300 life-limited children across Northern Ireland this Christmas. In many cases the Children’s Hospice will be the only “practical and emotional” care and advice the families will get this Christmas.
Make a donation to the Little Stars Christmas Appeal.
Foyle Hospice
Foyle Hospice, meanwhile, is appealing for donations to its Light Up A Life appeal.
Supporters can dedicate a light in memory of a loved one. A Service to switch on the lights on the Foyle Hospice tree is planned for 8 p.m. tomorrow (Thursday, December 18).
Make a donation to the Foyle Hospice Light Up A Life appeal.
Clic Sargent
The Clic Sargent charity is seeking donations for its Homes from Home campaign (see below). The charity, which looks after children and young adults with cancer, is providing two homes in Belfast where families, who may have to travel long distances to hospital, can stay. One home has already been provided close to the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children. Another Home from Home is being constructed close to Belfast City Hospital.
Make a donation to Homes from Home Appeal.
Friends of the Cancer Centre
The Friends of the Cancer Centre at Belfast City Hospital have again organised their Wish Upon A Star for Christmas. For a small donation people can have a gold star placed on the charity’s Christmas tree dedicated to someone affected by cancer.
People will be able to include a personal wish, a message or simply a name on their star. The charity is suggesting a donation of £5. For more information please telephone 028 9069 9393.
Newry Hospice
Newry Hospice has already held its Light Up A Life appeal. This year’s fund-raising effort marked 25 years of care provided by Southern Area Hospice Services.
A number of Illumination Ceremonies have been held in recent days to dedicate their trees of remembrance.
Make a donation to Newry Hospice.
St. Vincent de Paul
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul are seeking support for their annual appeal. The Society says it expects to assist more than 140,000 families over the Christmas period. The charity will be providing necessities such as food, fuel and basic clothing.
Make a donation to the St. Vincent de Paul Appeal.
The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army will be reaching out to people in need as usual this Christmas and are appealing for help in making it a special time.
The organisation says although it works all year round, it’s in the winter, and especially at Christmas, when they are needed the most. As part of this major effort, The Salvation Army will be bringing homeless people in from the cold. They will also be serving Christmas dinners to lonely older people and delivering boxes filled with food and modest toys to struggling families.
Make a donation to The Salvation Army Appeal.
Black Santa
The annual Black Santa charity fund-raising effort at St. Anne’s Cathedral in Belfast came to an end on Christmas Eve.
Dean of the Cathedral, The Very Rev. John Mann, raised thousands of pounds during the sit-out.
If you failed get along to meet the Dean you can still make a donation by post to The Black Santa Appeal.
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