West Armagh Consortium have upped their game for this year’s Armagh Secret Santa Toy Appeal with the count now sitting at 200 families to benefit from the incredible local generosity.
The Consortium launched their first appeal last year (2024) in conjunction with Philip White Tyres.
It was a resounding success and saw 150 struggling families provided with toys and presents for children. And, it didn’t stop there… through the donation of supermarket vouchers, the organisation were also able to “put turkey on the table”.
Speaking of what inspired the secret Santa appeal, Liam White, of Philip White Tyres said: “This is a chance to give back to the local community, as no child should wake up without a present on Christmas morning.
“With the cost of living crisis, families are vulnerable now more than ever and this appeal is a chance to try and help as many people in time for Christmas.”
This year, the group – made up entirely of dedicated volunteers – were given an extremely healthy kick-start to their Christmas donation drive when Armagh musician, Marty Rafferty took on a gruelling 24 hour busk-a-thon to raise money for the cause.
Thanks to overwhelming public support Marty managed to play to 27 hours, smashing the Guinness world record and bringing in a whopping £13, 414 for the charity.
He had the invaluable help of other local musicians (Mark Bratton, Stephen Smith, Matthew Lennon, Sarah Vallely, Mark McCrilly and Eoin Kelly) who all helped pave the way to success.
Fiona Kelly, Chairperson of West Armagh Consortium, said Marty and his troubadour troupe raised enough money to help them buy presents for specific age group requirements and allowed them to expand their operations to serve yet more families than last year.
They were also joined by Michael Toner of Toner Mechanical & Electrical who has been a massive contributor to the Toy Appeal, even roping his wife in to help with packing and wrapping!
While their appeal for toys has now closed for this year, they are still welcoming food vouchers (for local supermarkets), gift voucher donations adding that these also help to bolster the work they do all year long.
Any toys that do come in will be put in storage to be added to next year’s drive.
It’s a highly emotional thought for all involved, that so many children across the city and its periphery will wake up to presents under the tree. And, it’s all thanks to you!
From all at West Armagh Consortium, they would like to thank the entire community who contributed in any way, to their volunteers who give up their valuable free time to the cause and to all those who supported Marty and his team’s Guinness World Record efforts.
They wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
