Popular Donegal gardener and social media star Barrie Quinn's appeal raises over €40,000 in just 48 hours
In an inspiring show of community spirit, Barrie Quinn of Portnoo Market Garden in Donegal has rallied his followers and the wider public to raise over €40,000 in just over 48 hours to support local families in need this Christmas.
What began as a simple appeal quickly grew into a powerful movement, with more than 1,100 individual donations pouring in from near and far.
The fundraiser, run in partnership with the Downstrands Family Resource Centre, has already begun delivering vital support to households across the region. Families in Ardara, Glenties, Portnoo, and surrounding areas are receiving immediate assistance with essentials such as food, fuel, and other urgent needs ensuring they can experience comfort and warmth throughout the festive season.
The outpouring of generosity has stretched far beyond Donegal’s borders. Barrie used his online reach to highlight the reality many local families are facing, inspiring donations not only across Ireland but from supporters around the world. Contributions have arrived from the north, Britain, Europe, and the United States, with donations made in euro, sterling, and US dollars, showing the global goodwill behind this community-led effort.
Barrie expressed his gratitude for the overwhelming response, saying the fundraiser has revealed “the true heart of the Downstrands community.” He praised the people of Ardara, Glenties, Portnoo, and the many international donors who stepped forward without hesitation to help their neighbours during a difficult winter.
Donations are still very welcome, and every contribution big or small, will continue to make a real difference. If you would like to support the appeal, you can visit www.portnoomarketgarden.ie and click on “Christmas Appeal.”
The Downstrands Family Resource Centre continues to identify families most in need and is distributing funds as quickly and responsibly as possible.
This remarkable effort is a testament to what can be achieved when a community and its extended global family stands together.
Barrie Quinn is the founder of Portnoo Market Garden, a small chemical free farm on the west coast of Donegal. Barrie uses his social media presence of over 1m followers to inspire people to reconnect with food and nature.
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