Diocesan News
Presents of Mind in St Canice’s Church
Three young Eglinton Primary School pupils lent a hand, this week, as scores of Christmas presents donated by members of Faughanvale Church of Ireland Parish were handed over to Foyle Women’s Aid.
The gifts were gathered over the last few weeks and stored beneath the 16–foot Christmas tree which has been erected in St Canice’s Church for the festive season.
The formal hand–over was made by sisters Jenna and Chloe Boyd, and Jack Thompson – all parishioners at St Canice’s – and overseen by the Rector, the Rev Canon Paul Hoey, and Ernest Moore (People’s Glebe Warden).
Canon Hoey said: “I’m very touched – but not surprised – by the generosity shown by our parishioners. This community benefitted from the generosity of others after the flood sixteen months ago, and it’s right that we now remember others in their time of need.
“We appreciate the help that Foyle Women’s Aid provides for the victims of domestic violence in the North West. The organisation does tremendous work all year round, but we’re aware that Christmas can bring particular pressures to bear on the charity and bring great distress to many homes. We pray that God will show his mercy to those who suffer the consequences of domestic violence and, in the meantime, hope that our gifts will offer some small comfort to children who are affected.”
The gifts from St Canice’s Church were received on behalf of Foyle Women’s Aid by John O’Hagan and Ivan Barber from Teamlink. They thanked the parishioners for their generosity and said it was a sad fact that every single present would be needed this Christmas.
For further information please contact:
Diocesan Communications Officer, Derry & Raphoe
Mr Paul McFadden
028 7126 2440
07525 826290
press@derryandraphoe.org