Superheroes and cartoon legends bring smiles during COVID crisis

Community worker, Ciara Ross, who was involved in the initiative that entertained hundreds of families cooped-up in their homes as a result of the pandemic, said the initiative was a huge success.

Ms. Ross, a youth outreach worker based at the Glen Development Initiative (GDI) in Cedar Street, said volunteers dressed as Disney, DC Comics and Marvel Comic book characters (pictured right) among others, brought smiles to the faces of countless young people over the past few weeks.

“The tour started with the Outer West Youth Response team going around the Foyleside District Electoral (DEA),” she said.

“We were inundated with calls and messages about the amazing work we were doing and people literally begging us to do other areas so we reached out to our other community partners and from there we haven’t stopped!” she declared.

Although the tour began in the Glen and Rosemount areas it soon expanded further afield into the Moor District Electoral Area (DEA).

Volunteers collectively covered hundreds of miles in full fancy dress raising smiles and providing much-needed light relief during this time of unprecedented crisis and anxiety.

“We have just finished working with the team in Triax and are due to do the same in other areas.

“The group of young people in our costumes are volunteers or part-time youth workers from Outer West and the costumes came from our youth social enterprise Party People, young people from the youth clubs in Outer West Neighbourhood Renewal Partnership based in the Glenview Community Centre, who provide a range of party services.

“The project provides training and employment opportunities for young people within the community and also allows them to give back to their community in a positive way,” she said.