A Christmas Tree at Belfast City Hall is to be used to raise much needed funds for charity this festive season.
South Belfast SDLP councillor Gary McKeown has secured an agreement to install a collection box at the tree inside City Hall so that those visiting it to take pictures will have the opportunity to help others.
All of the funds raised will be channelled through the Lord Mayor's Office for distrubtion to the appropriate charities in the city.
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Councillor McKeown said that he hopes it will give visitors to City Hall the opportunity to spread a little bit of festive cheer while helping others.
He said: "A few years ago I was in the rotunda in City Hall and noticed the throngs of people coming in to see the Christmas tree, take selfies and meet up with friends. Although we certainly shouldn't be charging anyone to do this, I did think we were missing a trick by not using it as an opportunity to raise some funds for good causes over the winter period.
"The pandemic delayed any opportunity to do something about this, but ahead of the tree going up again this year, I formally proposed that we should provide an opportunity for people to donate if they visit the tree inside Belfast City Hall, and am delighted that this has been agreed by council this week. Boxes will be provided for people to donate whatever amount they like, if they wish.
"It will be entirely voluntary, but I hope that visitors will dig deep and donate when they come in to see the tree, particularly given the challenges that many people are facing this winter.
"I think people coming in to take selfies or meet up at the tree will be more than happy to spare some cash for good causes across our city, and hopefully we can use the opportunity to spread some festive spirit this Christmas."
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