A community fundraising effort for those families and businesses impacted by a devastating fire in Armagh earlier in the summer raised more than £3,000
A number of business on the Killylea Road saw their premises completely gutted in a fire on the morning of Sunday, July 21.
One of those was Cordelia’s chippy, owned by Cordelia Malone, who at the time said “there are no words to explain the sadness and heartbreak”.
Fortunately, a number of businesses affected – including Cordelia’s – have re-opened elsewhere.
And today (Wednesday), Lord Mayor Councillor Sarah Duffy, shared the final total, with the public helping raise £3,115, which has been distributed to the families and businesses affected.
The fundraiser was organised by Carla Bébhinn, with the help of the Lord Mayor.
Speaking to Armagh I, Councillor Duffy, explained: “I saw Carla – a woman from the Armagh area – had been thinking about setting up a GoFundMe page and I had been thinking the same, so I reached out and we put our heads together and got the page up and running.
“It ran for a number of months before it reached a grand total of just over £3,000, which was absolutely fantastic.”
She added: “The money was very gratefully received by those who were affected, as you could imagine, especially for people just trying to get back on their feet again. And that response from the public went a long way to helping with that.”
Councillor Duffy not only praised the resilience of those affected but the community spirit shown in the aftermath.
“I’ve never failed to be blown away by the generosity of Armagh people, and those further, afield who so kindly donated. When it comes to things like this, everyone is always willing to donate and help out.
“It truly is great to see such generosity in times of need.”
