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A Newry woman has started a community project to help people experiencing homelessness across Northern Ireland. 100 Little Wishes has been set up by Lisa-Marie Maguire. Maguire has set up an Amazon wishlist with small, practical essentials for people in need. It include things like warm socks, toiletries, food, sanitary products and other everyday necessities.
She has deliberately kept lots of the items under £10. £7 could provide warm socks. £8 could provide a whole pack of toothbrushes. £5 could provide food. £5–£10 could provide essential toiletries. Every item purchased from the wishlist will be donated to help people who need it.
Explaining how her initiative began Maguire said: "The idea began with a simple thought: while many of us are going about our everyday lives, buying groceries, treating ourselves or preparing for Christmas, there are people who may be struggling to access even the most basic essentials.
"I wanted to find a practical way for ordinary people to help, so I created an Amazon wishlist of everyday necessities such as toiletries, toothbrushes, socks and other useful items that could make life a little easier for someone experiencing homelessness."
The initiative that she started with just one small idea has grown into something larger. "People I have never met have begun purchasing items, sharing my posts and helping spread the word. Every donation is a reminder that there is so much kindness in our communities."
She concludes: "My hope is that 100 Little Wishes will show that you don’t need to be wealthy, run a charity or make grand gestures to help someone. Sometimes, a small act of kindness can make a real difference."
Her plan is to potentially expand to Belfast and she will gather all donations and will distribute them with the help of local man Ernie Campbell who has devoted years to homeless charities such as Helping the Homeless Newry and Hope Harbour Belfast Helping the Homeless as well as many Dublin based services.
If you would like to support the initiative all you have to do is purchase some items from the Wishlist at www.amazon.co.uk and make sure the delivery address is set to Lisa-Marie Maguire
