Last year due to Covid restrictions the Jingle all the Way Community Awareness Day could not be held. Notwithstanding, the Ballymena Northern Ireland Hospice Support Group and local supporters continued to raise funds with innovation and a new vision of fundraising which raised £108k in 2020/21.
This financial year, in addition to traditional fundraising, the team held two new outdoor events - the Family Fun Day at Eaton Park supported by Ballymena Rugby Football Club, and the Golf Event at Galgorm Castle Golf Club organised by Ballymena Chamber of Commerce & Industry, both of which were very successful.
A spokesperson for the group said:
“We are now delighted to be able to hold our Jingle all the Way Day to raise awareness in the Community about the only Children’s Hospice in Northern Ireland.
“On Saturday 27 November once again, the Harmony Hub will be alive with music and fun for all the community to remind everyone that NI Children’s Hospice needs your support.
“With the support of Ballymena BID the Ballymena Support Group have assembled School Choirs, Ballymena Chamber Orchestra and continuous music provided by DJ Roy Bell to lift spirits and children, of all ages, can meet Christmas Characters such as Miss Icicle, Riley Elf, Holly Nollaig together with volunteers from Emerald Garrison with a selection of well known heroes.
“The Santa Bus, a firm favourite of our Jingle Day returns once again supplied by CitySightseeing Belfast will tour the town from its ‘bus stop’ on Broadway Avenue from 11am to 4pm. Jump aboard for a free trip around our town and meet the man himself.
“Follow Coffee are providing a nip of coffee free, outside the former Bank of Ireland, to warm you as you enjoy the entertainment!”
Last week and again tomorrow, Saturday 27 November, the local fundraisers will have a pop-up shop in the Tower Centre.
“Our thanks to the management of the Tower Centre who have granted us space to hold a pop up shop inside the Greenvale Street entrance, both last Saturday and again tomorrow, from 10am to 4pm to sell Christmas Cards for Northern Ireland Hospice.
“This would normally be a part of our Annual Christmas Fair which is being held online this year (see Ballymena NI Hospice Christmas Fair 2021). We plan to be back with this amazing start to Christmas at Tullyglass House Hotel in 2022.
“We are also very grateful to both the management at the Tower Centre and Fairhill Shopping Centre for permission to collect on the 27th November. Our thanks also to Mid and East Antrim Borough Council and staff for their support.”
If you, your school, business, sports club, youth organisation or group would like to organise fundraising for our Jingle All the Way here are some of the ways you can:
• Take a Jingle Box which raised £37 - this can provide an hour of care;
• Have a Jingle Jumper Day;
• Jingle your Way in the Jingle 5k/10k or
• Christmas Raffle
For further details contact:
Muriel Barr (0792155838)
Why should I support NI Children’s Hospice
With only partial government funding Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice continues to provide specialist respite, symptom control and end of life care to over 370 infants, children and young people living with life-limiting illness and also support for their families through the most difficult time of their lives. Throughout the Pandemic the need for our services has increased and more than ever every penny counts.
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