Strabanta Claus appeal humbled by the generosity of locals

THE Strabanta Claus Christmas Appeal, which saw children in the Strabane area benefit from the generosity of the townspeople, has closed for another year, with those involved in the venture once again thankful and humbled by the response.

The appeal, organised by Ronan Boyle and Anthony Duffy and administered with the help of Cllr Raymond Barr, Ursula Doherty of Strabane Community Project who helped identify families in need and Caroline Devine who facilitated the use of Ballycolman Community Centre, was a tremendous success.

Cllr Barr says, “We did absolutely brilliantly this year, much better than we had anticipated to be honest. We estimate that around 100 children in the town will wake up with a present on Christmas morning thanks to the appeal, so it has really done its job.”

Cllr Barr also took time to praise the community spirit which permeates through the town.

“I can’t thank people enough for the absolute generosity displayed. The Strabane people really turned up for the cause which speaks volumes in a town which has been blighted by poverty through the years. The fact that people took the time, despite not having much themselves, to purchase or give a gift to someone less fortunate is wonderful and humbling.”

He concluded, “It really shows what can be achieved when you pull together as a community.”