Local businesses in the Co Fermanagh village of Belleek have rallied together to raise a five figure sum for the local Fermanagh Women’s Aid service.
The fundraiser was organised by local business Rooney’s Gift Store, who say they have received ‘humbling support’ from a wide range of businesses in Belleek.
The local community in the area was rocked in recent weeks following allegations made by Nicola Gallagher of serious domestic abuse carried out against her by estranged husband, former Derry GAA boss Rory Gallagher.
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Michele Gallagher from Rooney’s Gift Store said the support from local businesses in Belleek and people from further afield has been ‘unbelievable’.
“It has been unbelievable, we have raised over £9,000 at the minute and we are still taking donations in,” Michele said.
“We know in our hearts we will hit £10,000 because we still have more donations coming in all the time.
“We put a message out to all the businesses in the village and sent buckets around to do a collection for Fermanagh Women’s Aid.
“Every few pound counts for them at this stage and everyone really got behind us.
“All the businesses from beauticians to hairdressers to the local garden centre and the filling station all took buckets.
“We are expecting to hit the £10,000 mark and we have had support from all over the country. We had a man in from Galway last week who swung by Belleek just to give a donation.”
Michele added that the local gift shop has been a keen supporter of the work done by the charity for a number of years.
“We have been supporting Fermanagh Women’s Aid for the last number of years here in the shop,” she added.
“Every year in some shape or form we have done something to help them, it’s not just now.
“People have come into us and said to us how thankful they are that we are supporting this charity.
“We have been blown away by the number of people who have come in and actually thanked us and said themselves or another member of their family had used Fermanagh.
“It’s humbling to think that a wee bit of fundraising can help so many out there.”
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