Downpatrick Lions Club gives Fountain Foodbank donation

Downpatrick Lions Club gives Fountain Foodbank donation

6 December 2023

THE spirt of hope is flourishing in Downpatrick as Advent dawns, with many unsung heroes quietly helping those in need at what can be a difficult time for many.

Downpatrick Lions Club said with Yuletide beckoning and the Christmas lights having been switched on and preparations underway for the arrival of Santa Claus, for many this festive season is a time they will be dreading.

The Club said anxiety mounts as the never ending adverts highlight the foods to purchase and the presents to buy, while television programmes demonstrate numerous ways to cook the turkey or make the fruit cake and what feel-good Christmas movies are on.

“Families in poverty, older people living alone, children in care and the homeless, for them, Christmas can be a period of stress and despair as many cannot meet the expectations that this time of year brings nor experience the joy of Christmas,” said a club spokesman.

In Downpatrick, the Fountain Foodbank dispatch 30 food parcels every week which has a total monetary value of approximately  £2,500 and the need is growing.

The Lions Club said the run-up to Christmas in Downpatrick comes after some of the worst flooding ever experienced in the town.

“Shops, businesses and charities have been badly effected and livelihoods put at risk and it is not hard to be downhearted,” he added.

“As we approach the winter solstice, let us remember that the first Sunday in Advent the candle that is lit is for hope. Yule is said to be the festival to celebrate midwinter and our joy that the spring and light are returning.

“In Downpatrick, the generosity and kindness of the people is immense and the Lions Club could not support the local Fountain Foodbank with a recent £500 donation without such generosity.”

The spokesman explained that through the work of many charities that Downpatrick Lions has supported, the organisation knows the Christmas spirit and message of hope is flourishing in the town.

“There are many unsung heroes quietly working behind he scenes and who, without reward provide, finance, practical help and kindness to those experiencing difficulties in coping with life’s demands,” the spokesman said.

Downpatrick Lions Club President, Seamus McMullan, would like to thank everyone who has supported the organisation and those charities that are the lifeblood of the community.

And he is again reminding people to support local shops and businesses this Yuletide so that their lights will stay on in 2024.

Seamus’s  Christmas message to everyone is taken from a Yuletide card from the collection of The Missouri History Museum — May Yuletide joys be ever thine, thy holidays most merry. Thy New Year prove to be as bright as the red holly berry.