Leap Day is ‘a good day to give’

The ‘A Good Day to Give’ initiative will see local businesses using the extra day to show solidarity with vulnerable children in some of the world’s most deprived communities.

Launching the campaign, Children in Crossfire Community Fundraiser Aishling Cunningham said: “We decided that February 29 – a bonus day that only comes along once every four years – was the perfect opportunity to ask local bars, cafes, restaurants, hotels, shops and takeaways to help us raise funds for our programmes in Ethiopia and Tanzania. The response we have received from businesses in Derry and Donegal has been so uplifting. All those taking part have agreed to donate a portion of their takings on Saturday to Children in Crossfire. We are urging the public to support these businesses on Saturday – the more they take in the more they’ll be donating to us.”

Among the businesses supporting the campaign are: Bridie’s takeaway chain; Doherty’s Home Bakery cafes; The Pickled Duck cafes; The Sandwich Company on Bishop Street; The Guildhall Taphouse; Gwyn’s Café and Pavilion in Brooke Park; Bishop’s Gate Hotel; Java on Ferryquay Street; Molly Malone’s restaurant; Spaghetti Junction; Find Insurance NI; Tank & Skinny’s and Centra, Muff.

Ms Cunningham added: “We are deeply grateful to each and every one of them for their generosity.”

Richard Moore, Executive Director of Children in Crossfire, said: “We are thrilled with the positive reaction from local business owners to our Leap Day fundraiser. Their willingness to support us is deeply appreciated; it underlines a long-standing local trait for global solidarity and kindness. Children in Crossfire could not do our international work without the support of the people of the north west. I have no doubt they will again deliver this Saturday.”