Write a commentClose to 1000 people crowded in to the Canal Court Hotel on Thursday night for the 19th annual Newry Chamber Charity Christmas Dinner, raising the incredible sum of £78,830 for local charities.
This year funds were raised for 19 charities, Action on Elder Abuse NI, Air Ambulance NI, Bite and Banter, Clanrye Group, Community Rescue Service, Daisy Hill Children's Ward, Down Right Brilliant, Ellen's Journey, Life and Time, MS Society NI, Newry Helping the Homeless, PIPS Hope and Support, Rathore School, Space NI, St Mark's High School ECPD Dept, St Vincent DePaul, Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust, Salvation Army and Women's Aid Armagh Down.
Several children with life challenging difficulties were also honoured on the night.
President of Newry Chamber of Commerce, Paul Convery welcomed everyone and spoke of how the night was an opportunity for the Chamber and local businesses to give something back to the local community that supported them through the year.
Entertainment on the night was provided by Wine O'Clock duo Rozlyn Sheridan and Teresa McBride as well as world renowned singer Peter Corry.
Abbey Grammar School, St Colman's College, St Joseph's Convent PS, Windsor Hill Primary School, St Patrick's PS and Newry High School all helped with the organisation of the night providing the elves, music and entertainment.
Once again the massive annual toy mountain took pride of place towering over the hotel foyer. Toys will be distributed by St Vincent DePaul, the Salvation Army and Newry Junior Chamber to children who would otherwise go without this Christmas.
Speaking of the toy mountain, President of Newry Chamber of Commerce, Paul Convery said "Nobody does it better than the people of Newry. Since it started, thousands of children have benefited from the generosity of Newry businesses and this year’s mountain is bigger and better than ever.
"A big thank you to everyone who brought a toy. You will have brought real Christmas joy and happiness to the lives of the children and their families."
To date almost £1.4M has been raised by this incredible Christmas event, something that Newry inc can be incredibly proud of. Newry.ie Salute You.
