Helping Via Wings spread some Christmas cheer in Dromore
Bishop Harold joined volunteers in bringing some festive cheer and spirit in the Dromore area this week as he helped local charity Via Wings with its annual Christmas hamper distribution.
The Dare2Care project gives out food to families in need in the area who otherwise wouldn’t have a festive feast.
55 homes were being supplied hampers and 17 full Christmas dinners this year by the charity which was founded in November 2009 by a small group of parishioners from Dromore Cathedral.
“We are reaching out to those most in need,” explains founder Gail Redmond.
“So many families are struggling at this time of year and can’t afford to put food on the table never mind the turkey and the trimmings.
“This year as well as food we are providing oil, coal, electric and Santa deliveries and in total 200 mouths will be fed.
“It is great to have the Bishop’s support today and we are delighted he was able to come along to the House of Hope and join in.”
Commenting on the festive gesture, Bishop Harold said:
“It has been such a privilege to be part of this today and to see how Gail and her team are bringing practical help to so many people. They really are embodying the hope and joy that are at the centre of the Christmas story.”
Via Wings has gone from strength to strength since it was set up in November ‘09. Initially it aimed to reach out to young and single mums and their children from the area.
Dare2Care followed which distributes food on a monthly basis to up to 80 families as well as offering emergency supplies.
“When people come to us for help we tell them that this isn’t charity,” explains Gail Redmond. “It’s just one woman putting out her hand to another woman at a time in their lives when they need it. We’re reassuring them that someone cares.”
One service user related her story anonymously:
“I came to Via Wings with a lot of problems. Without them these last few years I don’t know where I would have been. I lost my own home which I had for 20 years, I lost my business, my husband has mental health issues. Just everything.
“It’s been a rough few years but, hopefully, thanks to Gail and the team we’re at the other side, we’re getting there. They’re an amazing group of people.”
The charity expanded in 2013 with the opening of a social enterprise in the town. Hope & Soul, a shabby chic upcycling store was opened along with the Olive Branch Coffee dock.
As well as mentoring and counselling services, Via Wings offers volunteering and training opportunities to people from all walks of life. As it has grown it has employed 10 local people, 9 of whom had previously been out of work.
Others service users have reached the point where they have been able to give back. Just this month, Jill and her partner Andy catered for 61 people at a community dinner. It was a proud moment for the team.
The future
This year Via Wings launched ‘Buy a Bird of Hope’ where supporters could sign up to donate £5/month.
In 2016 they’re launching a campaign to ‘Build a nest’ so that they can move to a building large enough to accommodate all their services.
Follow the action on Facebook: ViaWingsDromore