In The News

Support local charities at Christmas

Support local charities at Christmas

A number of our local charities have launched special fund-raising efforts over the Christmas period.

We have compiled a list of the main initiatives. Please consider giving your support.

N.I. Hospice

The annual Lights to Remember appeal is already underway (see our photo above). This is the twenty-first year of the appeal and it’s hoped the 2015 efforts will raise £200,000 for the work of the charity, which supports people from across Northern Ireland.

As always, people are being encouraged to sponsor a light on the Hospice Christmas Tree. The charity says: “For families, Christmas can often be a very emotional and difficult period. Lights to Remember is an opportunity for families to come together, reflect and shine a light in memory of their loved one.”

The funds raised this year will go towards helping the N.I. Hospice to continue to provide care for over 3,000 adults with life-limiting illnesses. The charity points out that demand for its services are increasing. They now care for more than 90% of patients in their own homes and communities.

Work is continuing on the new hospice building at Somerton Road in Belfast, but this won’t hinder the switching-on ceremony on Thursday (December 17). A torchlight procession made it way to the Somerton Road site following a sort service at nearby Dominican College.

To donate to the Lights to Remember Appeal Click Here.

N.I. Children’s Hospice

The Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice is asking people to support its Little Stars Appeal.

The charity says: “The appeal aims to make every moment count for children and families who need vital hospice care throughout Christmas and into the New Year.”

The charity provides crucial services to nearly 300 children, young people and families every year.

Director of Children and Young People’s Service, Tina McCrossan said: “Supporting this year’s Little Stars Appeal will really make a difference to families at what is often a stressful and difficult time of year. Just £30, for example, will give the gift of care for one hour for a life-limited child in Northern Ireland. This is a present that will really make families shine this Christmas.”

To donate to the Little Stars Appeal Click Here.

Foyle Hospice

The Foyle Hospice has organised its Light Up A Life appeal again in an effort to raise much-needed funds.

It’s worth remembering that it costs almost £3 million a year for the Foyle Hospice to continue to provide it important services to the local community. It relies on almost 70% of its running costs being provided by individuals, businesses and support groups, so the Christmas appeal is a very important element in the fund-raising efforts.

To donate to the Light Up A Life Appeal Click Here.

Clic Sargent

Clic Sargent provides vital services and support to children and young people who are suffering from cancer. Its Help Us Be Ready This Christmas appeal is underway.

In Northern Ireland, a major initiative by the charity resulted in two Home from Home facilities being provided in Belfast — one close to Belfast City Hospital the other opposite The Royal Victoria Hospital. These homes are used by families who may have to travel long distances to hospital.

To donate to the Help Us Be Ready This Christmas Appeal Click Here.

Friends of the Cancer Centre

Friends of the Cancer Centre at Belfast City Hospital are holding their Wish Upon A Star appeal.

People are being encouraged to donate £5 to provide a gold star on the Cancer Centre’s Christmas tree. The charity says: “People who make a wish will also be given their very own star to hang on their tree at home, keeping that special someone close at this time of year.”

To donate to the Wish Upon A Star Appeal Click Here.

Newry Hospice

Newry Hospice — part of Southern Area Hospice Serivces — is running its annual Wish Upon A Star Appeal.

Southern Area Hospice Services provide invaluable support and care to people living within the Southern Health Board Area who are suffering from cancer, multiple sclerosis, motor neurone disease and AIDS.

With more that £2m needed to provide services, the hospice relies on 73p in every pound coming from fund raising.

To get details of how to donate to the Wish Upon A Star Appeal Click Here.

The Salvation Army and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul

The Salvation Army and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul have joined forces once again this Christmas to organise their joint Family Appeal.

The charities are hoping to at least repeat last year’s achievement of distributing more than 30,000 gifts to children across Northern Ireland.

This year’s appeal was launched by Belfast Lord Mayor, Councillor Arder Carson. He said: “The Family Appeal is a great opportunity to spread Christmas cheer and help those less fortunate in our society. I would encourage as many people as possible to think of others at this time of year and buy an extra gift for the Family Appeal.

To donate to the Family Appeal Click Here.

Black Santa

The Black Santa sit-out by the Dean of St. Anne’s Cathedral in Belfast has again taken place.

Dean John Mann's sit-out continued a Christmas tradition in Belfast which was first started by Dean Sammy Crooks in 1976. Over the years the collection has helped raise several million pounds for charities.

For the first time people who went along to support the Dean were able to make donations using their credit or debit cards.

To make a donation to Black Santa Click Here.

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