Lisburn Chamber launches Christmas Appeal for Barnardo’s NI and Lisburn Food Bank
Lisburn Chamber of Commerce is delighted to launch their annual Christmas Appeal and following last year’s success, both Barnardo’s and the Lisburn Food Bank will be supported.
Now in its eighth year, the Chamber toy appeal plays a crucial role in the work Barnardo’s perform through their Lisburn family support project and all donated toys and gifts are given to families living in the Greater Lisburn area.
Tracy Brownlee, Children’s Services Manager at Barnardo’s, commented, “Each year we are overwhelmed by the generosity of the Chamber appeal and our families are so appreciative of the toys and gifts they receive. This year has been particularly difficult for many children and families, due to the rising cost of living and so the support from the public and Lisburn Chamber of Commerce, will go a long way for many local families this Christmas.”
The Chamber has organised several collection points for the public and Chamber members to donate toys up until Wednesday December 13th. Gift vouchers for teenagers are particularly appreciated and these can be purchased from many Lisburn retailers.
The donation points are:
Lisburn City Centre Management 11-13 Market Square
Ulster Bank 18 Bow Street
GMcG Accountants Crescent Business Park, Ballinderry Rd
Bow Street Mall Administration Office on the 1st Floor
Staffline Recruitment 11 Lisburn Square
McClelland Salter 12 Bachelors Walk
The Crafty Hound Queensway Lambeg
Smyth Patterson 18 Market Square
2nd Avenue café 52-56 Antrim Street
Running in conjunction with the toy collection is the online appeal for the Lisburn Food Bank. The organisation has seen a dramatic rise in calls for help in 2022. A donation page has been created on JustGiving.com and this year all money donated will be spent on fuel vouchers to help needy individuals and families in the Greater Lisburn area.
The website link to donate is:
Pebbles Campbell is a Volunteer and Project Co-Ordinator at the Food Bank and commented, “last Christmas, we received over £2000 in donations from Lisburn Chamber of Commerce and every penny went to assist families in our local community. Enquiry numbers have risen in recent months as energy costs have escalated, so this fund-raising initiative is really appreciated.”
Chamber President Dr Katrina Collins commented, “2022 has been a difficult year for many businesses, coming out of the covid pandemic and then facing rising costs from energy suppliers etc. I am confident however that the local business community will step up once again and show their tremendous generosity in donating to these two worthy causes.”