Coffee morning in Magherafelt raises £2,000 for Thai orphanages

In a statement they said: “We thank our Parish Priest Fr. Gates, and Manager of the Parish centre, Mona Mc Glade for supporting and encouraging our event, and allowing us use of their fabulous facility.

“We thank Genesis Breads for their amazing generosity, providing a beautiful array of breads and bakes, and to the Mc Erlain family for their continued support and encouragement.

“We thank Siobhan and Eamon Lynch, for their endless time, reliable guidance, support and encouragement, and for generously providing us with endless supplies of milk.

“We thank JC Stewarts who provided us with gluten free products. We thank all the amazing and delightful volunteer students who came from the St Pius Secondary School, these students gave up their time and worked tirelessly all day with endless enthusiasm, ensuring things ran smoothly.

“We thank Thai Arts NI for providing amazing and beautiful arts and crafts promoting Thai Culture and Heritage, which was thoroughly enjoyed, and embraced by all ages.

“We thank Magician Paul Gomac who put on a fabulous show, entertaining all the children, our lovely face painter Alana Divito, and the fabulous Northern Regional College students Linda Jane Hunter, Alisha Boyle and Jessica Boyd who were all creative and amazing.

“We thank local businesses who generously provided raffle prizes and support, The Butterfly, Sizzlers Wine Bar, Gerard’s flowers, Tesco Magherafelt, Sportique and The Mc Cusker family.

We thank all our family and friends and to everyone that encouraged, supported, came on the day, all our own local parishioners and to those that travelled any distance we are so very grateful for all the donations we received, all the money raised will make such a difference.”

All proceeds from the event will be donated directly to orphanages, baby and children’s homes in Thailand by the Child Adoption Centre in Bangkok. This means that all money raised will go specifically to the homes who are currently in greatest need.

Orphanages, baby and children homes in Thailand have always depended heavily on these type fundraising activities and money donated helps to provide much needed care, food, clothing and toys for the children.

Saturday’s event was organised by members of the Magherafelt and Maghera Parishes, Caitlin and Stephen Lynn, and Denise and Phelim Maguire, Aoife and Tony Kearney, all couples are members of the Northern Ireland

Thai Adoption Support Group. This group supports couples and families who are adopting children from Thailand, and those who have already adopted.

The group holds events throughout the year to help maintain links between the adopted children, to celebrate Thai culture and to raise funds for Thai orphanages and baby homes.