‘Derry Santa’ helps raise £2,000 for NI Children’s Hospice

Hugh Kearney stepped up to the plate to become the ‘Derry Santa’ over the festive period, and he tapped into the generous nature of the local people.

Speaking about Hugh’s efforts as Santa, Brendan McKeever said: “In Derry, the goodwill of people has been tremendous, despite all the setbacks.

“Rather than giving out presents, as Santa does, Hugh went around gathering donations from people, to enable him, on their behalf, to give quite a different present.

“Hugh was aware of the impact that Covid-19 was having on local charities and charity shops in the past year, such as their inability to hold fundraisers, problems over footfall and charity shops unable to generate income because of forced closures.”

Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice is a charity close to Hugh and his family’s hearts, and they have been very supportive of their work.

NI Children’s Hospice offers support, information and care to many families that have children with life threatening conditions. Either directly to families or through offering short breaks at their Newtownabbey home, families can benefit from sensitive and professional help. For many they are an invaluable lifeline offering quality of life experiences. As is the case with many charities at the moment, they are under financial pressure and finding it very difficult to sustain services.

“The present that Hugh has given this Christmas will make a significant difference to many families. However, Hugh pointed out that it has only been due to the generosity of local people, businesses and individuals that this has come about.

“He has given many examples of that generosity but two in particular stand out for him.

“One is of a young girl who had saved up for a pair of earrings, but when he met her, she was insistent in donating all that she had saved up to the Children’s Hospice.

“Another powerful example of kindness and generosity was when local couple, Terri Casey and Billy Garnon, donated a substantial sum to the Hospice from their recent wedding reception. Hugh would be the last person who would want to be acknowledged for this very successful venture but his kindness and generosity have been overwhelming,” added Brendan.

Teresa McKeever, local Manager of the Children’s Hospice Shops in Derry, said: “Hugh, and all those who generously raised over £2,000, have made a real difference to so many families locally and on behalf of the Children’s Hospice, I would like to thank them all for such a meaningful present.”