2025 was once again a very busy year within For You-between managing three shops volunteers insured that the Food Bank was open at least twice a week, a drop in session was available once a week and behind the scenes activities where being organised for our local families.
In April an Interior Design Mood board workshop which was conducted by Maggie from Pearl Redesigns was organised. This involved a small group of ladies coming together and using their imagination in reusing and revamping material to design a creative room in their home. More importantly it was bringing these ladies out of their comfort zone in meeting new people, socialising and more importantly just having a laugh with people that they may never had a chance of meeting. This workshop was fully funded by The National Lottery Community Fund Northern Ireland.
Easter in For You is always busy as families struggle with kids being off school and trying to keep them amused. Volunteers organised activity packs for kid and an Easter Workshop which happened in our shop on Thomas Street. The workshop consisted of arts and crafts, kids having a snack and parents getting a break for a few hours.
Me You and Them organised a summer trip to Streamvale Fun Farm in Dundonald. A large group of families set of for the day where transport, entry fee and foods/snacks where provided. This was the third year that this trip took place and was fully funded by Me You and Them. All participants and volunteers had a fantastic day.
For You took part in in Cash for Kids Community Challenge. All money raised goes towards supporting disadvantaged kids in our communities
For You decided since Streamvale was such a hit in the summer for our families we decided the kids deserved an extra special treat at Halloween so Me You and Them fully funded another all inclusive trip to Streamvale for their fantastic Halloween Pumpkin Patch. This was an amazing experience for all and caters to all ages and abilities. Everyone had an amazing time and stated that they would definitely be back.
Last but not least Christmas at For You. This time of year is the most hectic, crazy but also the most memorable highlight of our teams year. Every year it gets earlier and earlier for our volunteers to organise. So from behind the scenes volunteers started planning and prepping from early September to ensure that all our families and kids have the most magical Christmas. Thanks to our donors and supporters who help out all year round that we are able to help provide food, oil, electric, presents, vouchers, hampers. Once again, Santa Visits have proven to be a massive hit and have increased in popularity. Santa, his trusted Reindeer and Elf- Buddy, started these visits at the start of December and continued right up to just before Christmas- 110 families where visited and all kids where provided with a toy and selection box. This year we where supported by 1st Tyrone Scouts Dungannon, who provided shoeboxes filled with gifts and bags of food.
Christmas Eve morning volunteers met to deliver dinners to people in our community who have no family, stuggling with the coat of living or who just needed support. We where inundated with offers of people cooking starters/dinners/deserts that they wanted to donate and once again Newell Stores donated 25 three course dinners. Other donors donated sweets, magazines and snacks which where also handed out.
Street Collection took place on 20th December and all volunteers and some service users helped out with this. £1388.32 was collected and all money raised supported our Christmas Appeal and everyday services.
