An Armagh city business has launched a new fundraising drive to buy a defibrillator for Thomas Street.
Joelyn Bratton, of 15 T Street cafe, said they were only in business on the street for four months.
But they have been made to feel a part of a real community and are keen, along with other business people, to be able to provide a defibrillator.
The decision followed the sad passing in hospital of former Armagh solicitor Liam Mallon, who had taken unwell while shopping at Sainsburys.
Now 15 T Street has launched an appeal for ladies to ‘donate a dress and save a life’.
The hope is to sell pre-loved dresses and raise the money to buy a new defibrillator on Thomas Street.
And, if they surpass the target – with your help, of course – the aim would be to purchase a second and place it at a local house.
So far more than 60 dresses – including wedding dresses, bridesmaid, first communion, formal, cocktail and others for that ‘night out’ – have been donated.
It is also hoped to have many more before the big sale, which is due to take place on March 1.
Joelyn told Armagh I that everyone to date had been very supportive.
“We have only been up and going for four months but, in this short time, I feel as we are part of a community,” she explained.
“Shopping local this Christmas was a first for me and I quickly learned that we all support another.
“Thomas street has had a new lease of life, with the Good Room opening, Gaffneys and the Gold Drop and LA Image and all, everything on one street.
“During this time a gentleman sadly died after he had taken unwell at Sainsburys.
“We feel that a defibrillator in Thomas Steet is a must. We would also love to raise enough to donate another so others that may need can avail of it.
“First Aid training is also on our list.”
Having launched the appeal their their own social media pages – and advertising outside the premises and on the street – Joelyn says they have been overwhelmed by the response to date.
But of course they would love even more to sell – the more dresses, the more money which can raised and more that can be achieved.
Joelyn added: “All pre-loved dresses will be gratefully accepted and sold to be lovingly worn again We hope to have a selection of sizes styles and prices to appeal to all our lovely peeps! We even have first communion dresses.”
The big sale starts next Wednesday evening, March 1, at 15 T Street – 15 Thomas Street, that is!
There will be late opening on the Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Dresses can also be purchased on the Saturday, March 4.
For more information, check out 15 T Street on Facebook. #keepingtstreetticking
