One of Northern Ireland’s largest and longest running Christmas present appeals is now underway.
The Salvation Army and Society of St Vincent de Paul (SVP) have teamed up once more for their joint Family Appeal which brings festive cheer to thousands of underprivileged children and families every year.
Last year’s appeal distributed 50,000 gifts to children across Northern Ireland… all of which was made possible by the generosity of local people and organisations.
Major Elwyn Harries, leader of The Salvation Army’s Ireland Division, thanked the public for their generosity and called on people to keep thinking about others at Christmas.
He said: “The Family Appeal would not be possible without the incredible support we receive from communities around Northern Ireland. For many families, Christmas is one of the most stressful times of the year. Budgets are already stretched as parents deal with everyday essentials, without an added burden of providing presents as well. We are honoured to play a part in ensuring no child in Northern Ireland goes without a gift on Christmas morning.”
Pauline Brown, regional manager for St Vincent de Paul, added: “Unfortunately poverty is still very real in Northern Ireland and every year, the Family Appeal gets bigger and bigger. In fact, last year almost 20,000 more toys were distributed compared to 2014. This is a testament to the unwavering generosity of our ever-giving public, but sadly, also to the increasing level of need in NI as more and more families face financial difficulties and need our help.”
She added: “I would also like to thank both the public and the businesses who donate to the Appeal each year, and especially to the companies which act as drop-off points including Tesco, Gordon’s Chemist and First Trust. The Appeal just wouldn’t work without the support of so many people and we are very grateful.”
Gift donations for children aged from newborn to 16 years can be made at any branch of The Salvation Army or SVP. Gifts can also be left in any Tesco, Gordons Chemist and First Trust Bank. All gifts must be new and unwrapped, and the appeal would especially welcome donations for older boys and girls such as gift vouchers, board games, selection boxes, and toiletries.
For more information go to:
www.Salvationarmy.org.uk/familyappeal
