Compassion Can’t Wait This Christmas: Vineyard Compassion Launches Christmas Appeal

Coleraine-based charity Vineyard Compassion has launched its annual Christmas Appeal, urging the local community to show compassion and kindness to families facing hunger and hardship this Christmas.

The appeal aims to raise vital funds to provide emergency food parcels, counselling sessions, and ongoing support for individuals and families facing hardship across the Causeway Coast and Glens area which, according to the Department for Communities¹, is the council district with the highest rate of poverty across all 11 council districts within Northern Ireland.

For John*, a single dad from Coleraine, Vineyard Compassion was a lifeline when life fell apart.

“Compassion and kindness is all I have experienced since I have been here,” said John. “A lot of people have nowhere else to turn but Vineyard Compassion. For someone who is really struggling financially at Christmas, especially someone with kids, if everything else goes wrong at least you have food in for the kids, it takes a lot of the pressure off and I would definitely say, donate if you can’.

After a relationship breakdown and mounting debt, John turned to the Causeway Foodbank, run by Vineyard Compassion. With the charity’s help, he received budgeting support and was referred to a partner agency for debt advice. Through the RESET Social Supermarket, he accessed food shopping at a significantly reduced cost. He also received professional counselling which was a safe space to chat. Today, he’s on track to be debt-free and hopes to start his own business.

Ricky Wright, CEO of Vineyard Compassion, said:

“We see first-hand the growing need in our community, especially at this time of year. Behind every food parcel or counselling session is a story like John’s – a parent trying to do their best but struggling to make ends meet. Every donation helps us provide not just food and essentials but hope and a path forward towards stability.”

A contribution of £8 helps provide a warm welcome and vital support to someone in hardship. A £19 donation helps provide a counselling session for a person in crisis. A gift of £35 will provide a Foodbank parcel this Christmas for a family of four.

Local MLA Cara Hunter praised the initiative, saying:

“Vineyard Compassion continues to make a real difference to families across the Causeway Coast and Glens. Their work offers both immediate relief and long-term support which is something that’s needed now more than ever. I encourage everyone who can to support this appeal.”

To donate or find out more, visit Compassion Cant Wait — Vineyard Compassion (www.vineyardcompassion.co.uk/christmas) or call 028 7022 0005. Donations of food and essentials can also be made through local collection points at Asda, Sainsbury’s, Tesco, or directly to the Hope Centre - 10 Hillmans Way, Coleraine.

*Name changed to protect anonymity

¹ DfC - Northern Ireland Poverty and Income Inequality report 2023-24
https://www.communities-ni.gov.uk/publications/northern-ireland-poverty-and-income-inequality-report-2023-24

•  Prevalence and Composition of Individuals in Relative Poverty by Local Government District 23/24
•  CCG = 23% of population – highest level of poverty across all 11 council areas (Before Housing Costs)

Joseph Rowntree Foundation - Poverty in Northern Ireland 2022