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WJ O’Donnell & Sons thank community after £2,510 raised for bereavement charity

  • Writer: Love Ballymena
    Love Ballymena
  • 4 minutes ago
  • 3 min read
Managing director William John O’Donnell at WJ O’Donnell & Sons, and Elaine Brannigan from Cruse Bereavement Support Northern Ireland

Managing director William John O’Donnell at WJ O’Donnell & Sons, and Elaine Brannigan from Cruse Bereavement Support Northern Ireland


A special Christmas remembrance evening in Ballymena has raised £2,510 for Cruse Bereavement Support Northern Ireland, thanks to the generosity of local residents and businesses.


The “True Meaning of Christmas – Special Community Gathering Night”, hosted by WJ O’Donnell & Sons Funeral Directors, took place on Sunday 7th December at the family-run funeral home on Mount Street, Ballymena.



The event brought people together to reflect, connect and support one another during what can be a difficult time of year for those grieving the loss of loved ones.


Organisers say the evening captured the spirit of compassion and community that defines the festive season.


Community generosity shines through


In a message of thanks following the event, WJ O’Donnell & Sons paid tribute to everyone who supported the gathering.



They said:


“Because of the kindness and generosity shown, the night was truly special — bringing people together to reflect, connect, and support one another at such a meaningful time of year. We are delighted to share that an incredible £2,510 was raised in total.”


All funds raised from the evening will support Cruse Bereavement Support Northern Ireland, a charity providing help and guidance to individuals and families coping with grief.


Local businesses step forward


A raffle held during the evening helped boost fundraising efforts, with a wide range of local businesses donating prizes in support of the cause.



WJ O’Donnell & Sons offered special thanks to the following businesses for their generosity:


  • Grassmen Shop, Ballymena

  • Milano’s Restaurant, Ballymena

  • The Royal Hotel, Cookstown

  • Streamvale Farm, Belfast

  • Airtastic, Newtownabbey

  • Snappy Snaps, Ballymena

  • The Jungle NI, Moneymore

  • M Quinn Hairdressing, Randalstown

  • K&G McAtamney (Greenvale Street), Ballymena

  • Hurrells Electrical, Randalstown

  • The Wedding Centre, Randalstown

  • Dundonald Ice Bowl

  • Creative Gardens, Galgorm

  • Honeybees Playtown, Ballymena

  • Galgorm Resort

  • Coffee & Co, Randalstown

  • Cromore Retreat, Portstewart

  • Dougans Furniture, Portglenone

  • T Duffin Butchers, Randalstown

  • Killyhevlin Hotel, Enniskillen

  • Caldwell Jewellers, Ballymena

  • Manns Cafe, Antrim


A night reflecting the “true meaning of Christmas”


The organisers also expressed gratitude to the wider community whose support made the evening possible.



They said:


“We would also like to sincerely thank everyone who came along on the night to support the event, those who made donations during the evening, everyone who purchased raffle tickets, and those who couldn’t attend but still generously donated online and bought raffle tickets.


“Your support — whether in person or from afar — truly reflects the true meaning of Christmas: compassion, generosity, and community spirit.”


Community support beyond the funeral


For WJ O’Donnell & Sons, the event reflects their ongoing commitment to supporting families not only at the time of bereavement but also in the months and years that follow.



The success of the evening highlights how community connection, remembrance and generosity can bring comfort to those grieving while raising vital funds for services that help people navigate loss.


From the organisers’ perspective, the message at the heart of the event remains clear.


“From all of us at WJ O’Donnell & Sons, thank you for helping make this night so meaningful.”


At a glance


  • A Christmas remembrance event in Ballymena raised £2,510 for Cruse Bereavement Support Northern Ireland


  • The “True Meaning of Christmas – Special Community Gathering Night” took place on 7 December


  • Hosted by WJ O’Donnell & Sons Funeral Directors at their Mount Street funeral home


  • The event brought the community together to reflect and support those grieving during the festive season


  • A raffle featuring prizes from more than 20 local businesses helped raise funds


  • Organisers thanked attendees, donors, raffle participants and online supporters


  • The funds will help Cruse provide bereavement support services across Northern Ireland



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