A beauty salon has launched a Christmas appeal in the hopes that it can go the extra mile in helping others this year.
CODE, based in Derry's craft village, see Christmas as the time of giving and therefore want to help those who may be struggling this winter in the current cost-of-living crisis.
The salon have asked that customers attending appointments bring with them an item that can be donated to Foyle Foodbank.
Read more: Dad and daughter duo helping most vulnerable children this Christmas
Coleen McWilliams from CODE spoke to MyDerry about this selfless initiative, at a time when many local businesses are also struggling.
Coleen said: "Basically I was talking away to the girls and some of my clients recently just about the cost of living and how it seems to be affecting literally everyone and it was just playing on my mind for so long.
"I thought about doing like a raffle or something like that to donate money but then I decided that the best thing to do is appeal to my clients in the run up to Christmas to see if they wanted to help.
"Because we’re so busy there are hundreds of clients in and out of the salon each month so if even a few of those donate something it would make a bigger difference that I could make alone."
The salon launched their Christmas appeal on their social media. The post said: "As we are all well aware, there is a major cost of living crisis at the moment, and some families are having to decide between heating their homes, feeding their children or making sure Santa comes.
"In my opinion, Christmas is all about giving and the thought of families having to go without at Christmas is absolutely heartbreaking. So we are kindly asking our clients, if they are able, when coming to their appointment if they could bring an item that can be donated to a family in need and we will deliver it to Foyle Foodbank for Christmas.
"Now, we do not want to put anyone under pressure and completely understand if you do not bring anything; but there will be a large box under the coffee station, where you can place your item before taking a seat to wait for your appointment."
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