The Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council launched the special Strabane Christmas card this week, which will raise money for much needed local charities, while spreading festive cheer.
Strabane BID ran a competition with local Primary and Secondary Schools to design a personal Christmas card for 2023, that would be sold in local businesses across the town centre.
The Primary School winner was Leilani Cawley, a Primary 6 student from Sion Mills Primary School while the Secondary School winner was Alex Kerlin, a Year 13 student from Holy Cross College. Both winners received a Strabane gift card and their winning designs printed.
The unique Christmas cards are now available to purchase in five local outlets; The Alley Theatre, Houston Homewares, Caffe Milano, Bejeweled at Soul and Grass Roots Café.
All profits raised will be donated to the Grass Roots Café and the Food Market.
A selection of the Christmas Card entries are now also on display and available to view at The Alley Theatre.
Mayor of Derry and Strabane, Councillor Patricia Logue, said she was delighted to launch this year’s Christmas card and encouraged everyone to support such a cheerful campaign.
“Well done to all the children who got involved in this year’s Christmas Card competition and congratulations to the two worthy winners.
“What a fantastic Christmas present to know that your artwork will be spreading cheer and Christmas well wishes in homes all across Strabane town centre and the wider district over the festive season.
“I really love this campaign and the ethos behind this initiative, so I am delighted to be here today as part of the launch.
“I would love to see everyone support the great campaign and buy their Christmas cards locally this year.
“It’s fantastic that The Alley have been able to display a selection of the entries in their reception and I would encourage the public to come and view the amazing talent that Strabane has to offer.”
Kieran Kennedy, Chair of Strabane BID, thanked all the students who got involved in this competition and encouraged everyone to support local this Christmas.
“I’d like to say a huge thank you and well done to everyone who was involved in this year’s competition. It’s a great way to get the entire community ready for Christmas.
“I’d encourage everyone to not only support the Christmas card campaign, but also support your own local businesses while doing your Christmas shopping this year.
“Strabane BID provide the perfect gift for Christmas with the Strabane Gift Card and now we can provide a unique and special card to accompany that gift.
“The most important aspect of this initiative has been engaging with our children and young people to foster a love local support local ethos from a young age.
“After all, these are the entrepreneurs and customers of tomorrow so it’s great to be educating them now on the importance of supporting local businesses and communities.”
Ursula Doherty, Manager of Strabane Community Project, thanked Strabane BID for their fundraising efforts and explained where the donations will go to.
“We are delighted to be named as the recipient of this year’s donations and we would like to say a huge thank you again, to all the team at Strabane BID for thinking of our charity, especially as we enter a particularly difficult season for some people.
“Donations from this year’s Christmas card campaign will go directly into helping those in need in our own local area.
“The Strabane Community Project provides a range of services for the wider community including food and heating support, befriending, educational programmes and employment support.
“These services are tailored to meet the diverse needs of our community members and we believe by doing so, we can empower individuals and build a stronger more inclusive community.”
For full details about the Strabane BID, please visit: www.derrystrabane.com/business/business-support/strabane-bid
Strabane Gift Cards can be purchased from O’Neill’s Sportswear, The Alley Theatre or online at: www.lovestrabane.com
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