1,000 Santa's 'Little Helpers' sought for final push for Christy Gallagher's family's Christmas fundraiser

The family of a young Derry man who are raising funds for charity in his memory are to finish their Christmas fundraising campaign on a high on Thursday, December 22 next, by filling Guildhall Square with over 1,000 of Santa’s “little helpers.”

Christy Gallagher, from Shantallow, passed away in May 2006 after contracting Malaria while on holiday in Thailand. He was just 23 years old.

His parents, Martin and Mary, have honoured his memory by collecting money in the run up to Christmas for their chosen charities outside the Guildhall since 2010.

This year they have set an ambitious target of raising over £10,000 for Children in Crossfire.

To help that bid, on the final day of their Santa collection, a ‘Super Fundraiser’ event will take place at 1.00pm when local people are invited to congregate in Guildhall Square in Christmas hats and hand over a minimum of £10 raised for the appeal.

The money raised will help fund the nurse training, stocking of clinics and the installation of clean water in the three target projects in Tanzania, Ethopia and Gambia.

Looking ahead to the final day of the campaign which began on November 17th, Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Alderman Hilary McClintock, encouraged local people to enter the spirit of giving this Christmas by supporting the appeal.

“The Gallagher family have braved the elements outside the Guildhall to raise thousands upon thousands of pounds for charities for the last seven years,” she said.

“I’d urge as many people as possible to get involved in fund raising in shops, schools, cafes and any other public places and come along to deposit the money in the bin at the entrance to the Guildhall.

“To see hundreds of people, dressed in festive head gear, handing over their fund raising efforts would be a genuinely uplifting sight and will help spread the spirit of generosity and hope this Christmas.”

Anyone who can’t make it to Guildhall Square can donate to the charity by texting SBFA68 to 70070.

Photo shows Ald McClintock offering her support to Santa's Children in Crossfire fundraiser.