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Belfast Live
Belfast Live
National
Anna McAree

Derry's Christmas Drive dedicated to helping most vulnerable this year

A community driven Christmas project has been bringing joy to many residents of Derry while raising money for essential charity work.

Racecourse Drive transformed into Christmas Drive during the pandemic when residents wanted to cheer up local children.

Its popularity has soared since then and this winter the street are dedicated to helping the most vulnerable in society.

Read more: Derry couple who put Christmas tree up in September says 'bah humbag' to those who think it's too early

In a social media statement, the residents of Christmas Drive appealed to the public to support their fundraiser which will be more important to many families than ever.

They said: "It is that time of year again when a tiny row of houses in Derry drops it original name of Racecourse drive and becomes the street of lights; Christmas drive.

"Many of you wonderful people visited our street when lockdown hit and have come back last year and now we are getting ready to light up our street again. So many of you donated to our charities last year and without you we would not be able to give back to the community.

(PA)

"This year everyone picked a charity of their choice and out of a hat two charities were picked. We picked Foyle food Bank and the neo natal unit at Altnagelvin. The times we are living in now are so scary for everyone with inflation and the rise in poverty. The aim this year is to do our best to help the community.

"None of the residents in the street are millionaire's and all with the same worries as everyone else regarding inflation but as I said we do want to give back to the community. No community gives like the Derry community so with your support we can light Christmas drive again this year."

As well as financial donations, Christmas Drive is appealing for selection boxes for families in need, as well as a Derry choir to help set the scene.

(PA)

They said: "With the kind donations of local businesses and the public knocking at our doors we donated over 1500 selection boxes. We need your help again this year. These selection boxes allow families who cannot afford Santa and buddy visits photos and a treat to come down for free and enjoy the festivities for as many families as we can give to.

"If you know of anyone that we can help please ask. These donations allow foyle food bank to help our vulnerable families and it allows the neo natal unit to help families in their darkest hour. Businesses can also help support our street by buying an advertisement.

"We have 40 spaces for businesses to advertise their business for the months of November and December for a small fee. Thousands of people from all over the country visit this street.

"Our choirs were amazing last year and the feedback was unreal again we need our choirs to come back and help us raise as much as we can. Anyone that can help us help two really worthy charities in anyway please have a chat with us."

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