Downpatrick Sisters Donate To Charity For Needy Kids

Downpatrick Girls Support Local Needy Children through Homestart with Christmas Gifts

The Cunliffe girls Caitie (7) as Santa, elf Cliodhna (5) and Mrs Claus alias Ella-Grace (8) have a remarkable public charitable spirit.

They have decided to help some families out this Christmas so that instead of spending Christmas money on food and goodies they can pay Santa some money to bring a toy or a gift for a child who is experiencing hardship instead.

So, the great efforts of the charitable three came to fruition and hampers were passed on to HomeStart Downpatrick recently. This indeed is the true spirit of Christmas.

The girls quietly enjoyed the Christmas lights switch on in Downpatrick which was a very subdued affair due to the Covid-19 restrictions. St Patrick’s Square is normally packed with excited onlookers enjoying the evening festivities, but this year it was a damp squib.

But the girls are already looking forward to a great Christmas in 2021.

So well done to the Cunliffe sisters from Downpatrick. Maybe Santa will be very kind to the girls this Christmas for their great charitable efforts.

The girls raised a great £130 on Gofundme and they further topped it up with their pocket money from through November. And mum Amanda too added a little to top up the worthy cause.

Amanda said: “I am so proud of the sacrifices they made and giving up opportunites to spend a pound or two at the shop on sweets… instead they put the coins into their appeal.

“The idea was that if a family in need could not buy food then they would be able to pay Santa instead for a toy for their child.

“They were so sad at the thought of a child not getting a simple wee toy on Christmas morning because Covid-19 didn’t allow mummies and daddies to work properly.

“We managed to make up 10 hampers which have now been successfully passed over to Dorothy the coordinator at HomeStart Downpatrick, and they will go to families in need in the local area this Christmas.

“We would like to thank everyone who donated and helped us to achieve this. We really appreciate it. We wish everyone a very happy and safe Christmas and best wishes for 2021.”