A GROUP of big-hearted Santas climbed Slieve Donard recently to bring some much-needed cheer to children this Christmas.
Members of a local hiking group donned Santa outfits and climbed Northern Ireland’s highest mountain to raise money for Christmas presents for underprivileged children.
Thanks to their efforts and the Cash for Kids charity, almost 500 children will have something to unwrap on Christmas Day.
Organiser Sophie Baird takes up the story.
“I suggested to my hiking buddies that a Santa hike up Donard would be a great way to raise gifts for families that are struggling across Northern Ireland due to unemployment levels on the rise,” she said.
“Initially we were hoping that we would each donate a gift and raise 34 gifts with 34 individuals hiking.
“I contacted Cash for Kids and we registered to donate. Within two weeks, myself and 33 others raised over 475 gifts for children who desperately need them.
“I was genuinely overwhelmed by the response of the kind and generous people across Downpatrick, Crossgar and other areas locally.”
Last week Sophie and two of her hiking friends delivered the presents to the Cash for Kids depot.
“The girls who work full-time for the charity were overjoyed at how much we had gathered,” she continued.
“It was great to get an insight into where the toys are distributed. They are distributed through charities such as Women’s Aid, Extern and social services. Some local schools in impoverished areas also receive bikes etc.”
She added: “We had a super day in the Mournes. We couldn’t have asked for better weather or a better bunch of people to participate.”
Sophie’s group started earlier this year and now has close to 100 members.
In September they completed the ‘Seven 7s’ challenge to climb the seven highest peaks in the Mournes and raised £7,000 for the local mental health organisation, ALPS.