Pictured (L-R) are Emma McCrea and Clare Moore from Ballymena BID, with CarolineMcNeill from Digg Deep for Kids.
Ballymena BID extends a heartfelt thank you to the incredible Ballymena community and local businesses for their outstanding support of the Digg Deep for Kids Christmas campaign.
Together, we have made a significant difference in the lives of children in need across Northern Ireland this festive season.
This year, Ballymena BID, in partnership with Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, dedicated the proceeds of the Ballymena Fall Fashion Show raffle to this important cause.
Over 40 generous raffle prizes, donated by local businesses, ranged from hampers and vouchers to designer sunglasses. Thanks to the enthusiastic participation of attendees, alongside additional fundraising during Ballymena’s Discount Day, over £1,700 was raised.
With these funds, the BID team worked tirelessly in late November/early December to source gifts for teenagers and children aged 0-3 from local town centre businesses. The generosity of these businesses, many of which offered discounts or donated extra gifts, meant we could stretch the funds further and help even more children.
Santa’s helpers: Emma McCrea and Clare Moore of Ballymena BID.
“The support we received from local businesses was truly overwhelming,” said Clare Moore of Ballymena BID. “Seeing the community come together to provide for children in need is incredibly heartwarming.”
Ballymena BID also registered as an official drop-off point for the campaign, giving local residents an opportunity to donate gifts.
The response was amazing and to arrive to the office in the mornings to see the donation cart filled is a testament to our local community.
A fantastic donation of gifts from Ballymena BID with the support of the local community.
Sorting the gifts into age groups revealed the need for a larger transport solution, as nearly 300 gifts were prepared and delivered. A call for help was quickly answered by Michael from Lockbox Storage Ballymena, who kindly arranged for a van and driver, Joseph, to assist with delivering the gifts to the Digg Deep for Kids depot in Dungannon.
Team effort: Emma and Clare from Ballymena BID pictured with Joesph from Lockbox Storage.
Ballymena BID extends a special thank you to Lockbox Storage Ballymena for their generosity and willingness to go above and beyond in supporting this campaign.
“When we arrived at the depot, we were greeted with yet another surprise,” shared Emma McCrea, Manager of Ballymena BID. “Caroline O’Neill, the inspirational founder of the campaign, informed us that an anonymous donor had made an additional contribution to the Digg Deep for Kids JustGiving page on behalf of Ballymena BID. This generosity is a true testament to the spirit of our community.”
Reflecting on the campaign’s success, Emma added:
“Thank you, Ballymena, for digging deep for kids this Christmas. Your kindness and collaboration have blown us away. Together, we’ve made a real impact and brought joy to so many children.”
Clare Moore of Ballymena BID also remarked:
“The gathering of gifts, seeing our community’s generosity in action, and working together to ensure they reached their destination has been a profoundly moving experience. Ballymena’s spirit of giving truly shines during the festive season.”
The Digg Deep for Kids Christmas campaign is a shining example of how collective effort and goodwill can make a meaningful difference. Ballymena BID is proud to be part of such a generous and caring community.