A household Christmas tree has become a popular attraction in Holywood after growing in a front garden for 30 years.
The Macdonald family of Woodbank Lane in Holywood have set up a festive fundraiser for the Simon Community due to the popularity of the huge Christmas tree in their front garden.
Originally planted 30 years ago by a family that lived in the street, it had been an indoor Christmas tree that was given a new lease of life and now stands at nearly 50ft tall.
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It has now become a popular attraction in the local area, with the street holding their own Christmas Lights switch-on and celebration. It is also common in the week up to Christmas to see lines of cars parked up in the street enjoying the lights.
Speaking to Belfast Live, Neil Macdonald said: "During lockdown we wanted to do something to brighten up spirits during the festive season and added lights to the huge Christmas tree in our front garden.
"We didn't think much of it at the time, but as the weeks went on we noticed queues of cars lining up to look at the tree and it quickly became a popular local attraction.
"Last year we thought we would capitalise on this and held a fundraiser for the homeless charity, The Simon Community, and were thrilled to be able to raise £1,000 which went towards taking a group of vulnerable people out for a nice Christmas dinner.
"This year we decided that we would do the same again and even held our own special Christmas Lights switch-on to help spread the word about our appeal and how it would help others.
"It is quite amazing to think that this tree was once sat in someone's living room as their Christmas tree and instead of being thrown out, it was planted and given a new lease of life that is now 15 meters tall."
The Simon Community is Northern Ireland's largest homeless charity that helps over 600 people every day.
It said: "Homelessness is more than providing a roof over someone’s head. We are committed to supporting the people we work with as they fight to overcome experiences of family and relationship breakdown, shortage of suitable housing, financial difficulties, unemployment, bereavement, addictions, and ill mental health.
"We want to break the cycle of homelessness for vulnerable people and give them the skills and confidence to build a future.
"Last year we:
provided 464 warm, safe beds every night across 20 accommodation sites
answered over 18,000 calls to our 24-hour helpline.
supported 30 families and 60 children at our family project
welcomed 376 young people into our 3 dedicated youth homelessness centres
supported 330 clients through our drug and alcohol outreach
saved 67 lives in overdose situations
helped 327 adults and families to move into homes of their own.
"In the last 5 years homelessness here has risen by over 30%, meaning our services are now needed more than ever. We can only meet the demand for our services thanks to the kindness and generosity of people and organisations like you in our local communities. Thank you so much for your support again this year. It is greatly appreciated."
Here are just a few examples of how The Simon Community might use donations this Christmas:
- £500 could provide 50 Christmas dinners for people that we are supporting this Christmas.
- £500 could provide emergency food or clothing to 50 people impacted by the cost-of-living crisis.
- £500 could pay for 35 of the Welcome Packs, containing essential everyday food and toiletries which we give to people who may have very little, when they come to stay with us.
- £1000 could provide all the essentials needed for 4 Home Packs to help people move on to a home of their own.
If you would like to donate to the Macdonald family appeal for The Simon Community please follow this link.
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