O’Neill family return with Deep for Kids appeal

THOUSANDS of pounds are rolling in for a Tyrone family’s fundraising initiative to make sure no child goes without a gift this Christmas.

In excess of £20,000 flooded into the ‘DIGG Deep for Kids’ campaign, within 24 hours of it being launched last week.

And it’s little wonder considering the now annual fundraising campaign raised a staggering £100,000 plus in just two weeks last year.

The hugely successful fundraising drive is the brainchild of Dungannon businesswoman Caroline O’Neill who has been ably assisted by her family.

Her talented son Darragh recorded the ‘I’m a Busy Man’ single which went viral around the world and was shared by a host of celebrities including One Direction’s, Niall Horan.

This year, the fundraising campaign features a new ‘Digg In’ cookbook with recipes from some of Northern Ireland’s favourite social media food influencers.

Caroline said her family were proud to launch this year’s DIGG Deep for Kids.

“This is a fundraising initiative that thousands of people across Northern Ireland have embraced and supported to help families in need at Christmas,” she said.

“Everyone wants to help in whatever way they can and the kindness and generosity of people with their time and gestures never fails to blow me away, and together, we are helping to make a difference to the lives of so many people. And I know in my heart that this year will be no different.

“This year, we have teamed up with some of Northern Ireland’s best loved social media food influencers, including Suzie Lee, the winner of BBC’s Best Home Cook 2020, to create the ‘Digg In’ cookbook which features a host of favourite family recipes and top tips to help make life in the kitchen that little bit simpler.

“There’s also a beautiful ‘I can and I will make a difference’ limited edition jumper available to buy and over 30 amazing raffle prizes up for grabs.”

Many businesses in Tyrone and across the North have donated a fabulous selection of raffle prizes including five nights in Las Vegas for two people, a pair of tickets for Garth Brooks in Dublin and £250 spending money, and a pair of tickets to Ed Sheeran in Belfast with overnight stay in the Grand Central Hotel.

Money raised will be used to buy gifts, food and heating for three local charities – the Simon Community, St Vincent de Paul and Cash for Kids – to distribute throughout their networks to once again help make a difference to thousands of families this Christmas.

• For further information on Digg Deep for Kids or to order the ‘Digg In’ cookbook or jumper or purchase a raffle ticket go to www.diggdeepforkids.com