Young people taking part in the STRIVE programme through Include Youth and Lifford Clonleigh Resource Centre, in partnership with Fountain Street Community Association, have successfully delivered a Give a Gift appeal supporting children and families in need across the Strabane and Lifford areas.
STRIVE is a youth-led programme supported by PEACEPLUS, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), and focuses on five core strands: good relations, citizenship, personal development, employability, and positive progression. The programme is led by Include Youth in partnership with Northern Ireland Alternatives, Newstart Education Centre, Youth Initiatives and Lifford Clonleigh Resource Centre.
The appeal was led entirely by young people from Deele College, The Royal & Prior School and Mulroy College, who took responsibility for every stage of the project.
From planning and fundraising to wrapping and distributing gifts, young people demonstrated strong leadership and teamwork throughout. One of the standout fundraising efforts saw participants climb Mount Errigal twice, showing determination and commitment to supporting families in their local community.
“This project is a fantastic example of youth leadership in action. The young people involved showed real commitment, compassion and determination, and they should be incredibly proud of the difference they have made. STRIVE is about empowering young people to create positive change in their communities, and this Give a Gift appeal truly reflects that.”
Include Youth would like to extend sincere thanks to Jonathan McGillion and Dee Timoney of Parkland 33; the staff of O’Neills Sportswear for their Christmas Jumper Day fundraising; the staff of Specsavers Letterkenny; and Sinn Féin Strabane for their generous donations.
A special thank you is extended to Specsavers Letterkenny, corporate partners of Include Youth for their generous donation of €200, which played a key role in helping the young people deliver the appeal and support families during the festive period.
