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The Newry Business Christmas Charity Dinner and Toy Mountain Appeal will not take place this year, bringing to a close an initiative that has supported local families and children for 27 years. Since launching in December 1999, the event has raised more than £2.1 million for local charitable causes and supported over 64 local charities in the greater Newry area.
Announcing the decision the organising committee have emphasised the decision followed long and careful reflection and had not been an easy one to take. Explaining the move, the committee said the model of the event had gradually become less suited to the changing needs of modern families and charities, with the toy donation element increasingly difficult to fulfil as children's needs and circumstances have become more diverse. The committee added that many families now require support extending beyond toys at Christmas, with food, fuel, clothing and other essential household needs often taking priority during the festive period.
Throughout its history the appeal supported deserving local children and families during the festive season and distributed thousands of toys to those in need, while creating lasting Christmas memories for families in the community.
The Canal Court Hotel hosted the event throughout its history, in its earlier lunchtime format and later as the popular annual evening dinner. The organising committee have paid particular tribute to the venue, saying the McParland family, Louise Young, and hotel management and staff had consistently provided exceptional support, helping to create an atmosphere of warmth, generosity and festive spirit that became synonymous with the event. Their commitment and partnership over more than two decades playing a central role in the success of the appeal and the countless lives it touched.
Each year the event at the Canal Court Hotel was filled with music, energy and festive magic, supported by the dedication of Santa's elves from St Joseph's Primary School, local school choirs and bands, and a host of volunteers.
Over the years the event welcomed an extraordinary range of guests and supporters, reflecting the esteem in which it was held. These included former President of Ireland Mary McAleese, Taoisigh including Bertie Ahern, Secretaries of State, ambassadors and civic leaders, alongside sporting and entertainment figures such as Nadine Coyle, former NFL player Jason Bell, rugby legend Rory Best and All-Ireland winning manager Jim Gavin. The event was also honoured by the support of the late Dan Rooney, former United States Ambassador to Ireland, and Jean Kennedy Smith, former United States Ambassador to Ireland and sister of President John F. Kennedy.
The 2025 corporate sponsors, whose continued support the committee was instrumental over the years, included Rathbane Group, CCL, SAICA, Kingsbridge Healthcare, Fiveways, Canal Court Hotel, Newry BID, O'Reilly's Wholesale, Killowen Contracts, FS Wheels, JMK Solicitors, DXF Engineering, Hughes Camlough and Surefreight.
A spokesperson for the organising committee said: "We never imagined when we started back in 1999 that the event would grow into something that touched so many lives. The support from our business community has been simply incredible, and we are deeply grateful to every volunteer, donor, corporate sponsor, and supporter who helped make Christmas brighter for local families year after year."
The committee said it wished to thank everyone who contributed to the event's success over the 27 years, whether by buying a raffle ticket, attending the dinner, volunteering, donating a toy, performing, sponsoring, or being part of its journey as a family. "As we close this chapter, we want to celebrate everything that has been achieved together. And the kindness shown by our community has been extraordinary," the spokesperson said.
The organising committee concluded that the spirit of generosity, compassion and community shown throughout the appeal's history would remain its lasting legacy, and thanked the people of Newry and the surrounding area for helping demonstrate the true spirit of community.
