Lisburn Chamber launches 
Toy Appeal for Barnardo’s NI

Due to COVID19 restrictions, the Chamber will not be hosting their Christmas lunch this year, however it was felt, the Toy Appeal must continue as the need to support local families is greater than ever.

All toys and gifts are donated to Barnardo’s services based in Lisburn and are given to families living in the Lisburn/Greater Lisburn area.

The Chamber has organised several collection points for the public and Chamber members to donate up until December 15.

The donation points are: Lisburn Chamber / City Centre Management, 11-13 Market Square Lisburn; Ulster Bank, 18 Bow Street Lisburn; GMcG Accountants, Enterprise Crescent, Ballinderry Road, Lisburn; 2nd Avenue café, 54 Antrim Street, Lisburn; Bow Street Mall Administration Office on first floor.

Chamber Ambassador, Denise Watson helped to launch this year’s Toy Appeal and stated that toys for all ages from babies upward are welcome, especially educational ones.

Also gift vouchers for teenagers are particularly appreciated and these can be purchased from many Lisburn retailers.

Chamber President Garry MacDonald commented: “Our first Toy Appeal for Barnardos was back in 2015 so it is terrific to see this initiative continuing for a fifth year. 2020 has been unprecedented year for businesses and the impact of the pandemic on the local community has been huge. I am confident the local business community will step up yet again and show their tremendous generosity in donating to this worthy cause.”

Roberta Marshall, Children’s Services Manager at Barnardo’s NI added: “This is the fifth year we have received support for our families from Lisburn Chamber of Commerce. Each year we are overwhelmed by the generosity and our families are so appreciative of the toys and gifts they receive. This year has been particularly difficult for many children and families, due to the impact of Covid-19 and so the support from the public and Lisburn Chamber of Commerce, will go a long way for many local families this Christmas.”

If any families with children are struggling to cope or feeling isolated, there is support available through Barnardo’s new emotional wellbeing service See, Hear, Respond. You can get support through a confidential online referral form or by calling the free helpline 0800 157 7015 (Mon - Fri, 12pm - 7pm).