In a heartwarming display of community spirit, residents of a Portrush estate have come together to create Christmas cheer for everyone in the local area.
The idea started after the Causeway Coast and Glens Council recently reviewed their annual Christmas tree switch-on and decided to focus on the four main towns in the borough – leaving the seaside town off the festive list.
For years, Dhu-Varren has been known for its struggles with crime and drug issues, however, the residents, supported by local businesses and generous donors, have this year united to change that narrative.
Leeanne Montgomery, a local resident and one of the organisers, explained: "We’ve always had lights around our gardens in Glenarm Avenue, but this Christmas, the residents of Dhu-Varren decided to go that extra mile and really go to town on their decorations.
“Then the Causeway Coast and Glens Council revealed they would not be hosting a Christmas tree switch-on event in Portrush.
“Taking matters into our own hands, we reached out to the Council and asked if they could donate the town's Christmas tree to Dhu-Varren. The council agreed, but at a cost of £900 – an amount that was beyond our means. So we put out an appeal…!”
The community launched a GoFundMe page with an initial target of £450 to cover half the cost of the 13 foot tree. Within hours the appeal had received an outpouring of generosity from local businesses as well as individual donations, ultimately raising the full £900.
Leeanne continued: "We were stunned when we doubled the target and we now have over £1,000. So in addition to the tree, the community has decided to put the rest of the funds towards a community event on December 23 featuring ponies, face painters, Santa, ice cream vans and other activities – all free of charge to local children.
"The tree arrived on Monday and everyone is buzzing….this is for the kids, for the community. Dhu-Varren has a bad reputation for drugs and crime, but now we’re showing everyone what we’re capable of. This isn’t just about Christmas; it’s about coming together and making a positive change."
Thanks to Alan Simpson aka Portmagic for the video.
The idea started after the Causeway Coast and Glens Council recently reviewed their annual Christmas tree switch-on and decided to focus on the four main towns in the borough – leaving the seaside town off the festive list.
For years, Dhu-Varren has been known for its struggles with crime and drug issues, however, the residents, supported by local businesses and generous donors, have this year united to change that narrative.
Leeanne Montgomery, a local resident and one of the organisers, explained: "We’ve always had lights around our gardens in Glenarm Avenue, but this Christmas, the residents of Dhu-Varren decided to go that extra mile and really go to town on their decorations.
“Then the Causeway Coast and Glens Council revealed they would not be hosting a Christmas tree switch-on event in Portrush.
“Taking matters into our own hands, we reached out to the Council and asked if they could donate the town's Christmas tree to Dhu-Varren. The council agreed, but at a cost of £900 – an amount that was beyond our means. So we put out an appeal…!”
The community launched a GoFundMe page with an initial target of £450 to cover half the cost of the 13 foot tree. Within hours the appeal had received an outpouring of generosity from local businesses as well as individual donations, ultimately raising the full £900.
Leeanne continued: "We were stunned when we doubled the target and we now have over £1,000. So in addition to the tree, the community has decided to put the rest of the funds towards a community event on December 23 featuring ponies, face painters, Santa, ice cream vans and other activities – all free of charge to local children.
"The tree arrived on Monday and everyone is buzzing….this is for the kids, for the community. Dhu-Varren has a bad reputation for drugs and crime, but now we’re showing everyone what we’re capable of. This isn’t just about Christmas; it’s about coming together and making a positive change."
Thanks to Alan Simpson aka Portmagic for the video.
Category
🛠️
LifestyleTranscript
00:00Those Christmas lights light up the street
00:07Down where the sea ends sailing
00:13May all your troubles soon be gone
00:19Oh, Christmas lights keep shining on
00:25Those Christmas lights light up the street