An Armagh City playgroup has finally completed much-need repairs to their aging building after local businesses stepped in to help.
The Firs Playgroup is a cross-community playgroup based on the Station Road which provides early years education to children in the area.
The building has long been in need of repair, having been donated to the playgroup second hand, back in 1989.
Nieve Latham, Playgroup Leader, told Armagh I that the necessary work seemed like a “mammoth task” due to a lack of funding support.
Thankfully, the playgroup were approached by Mamo Building Services in June, who offered to provide the labour force to completely refurbish the outside of the building.
The team then set about fundraising to help cover the costs of materials towards the work.
Millview Windows generously donated new double-glazed windows and, together with a generous donation from Armagh Credit Union and MHT Ireland, the fundraising efforts began to gain momentum.
A Teddy Bears’ Picnic was held on the Mall in Armagh in late June, which saw the children’s families and the local community supporting their fundraising.
Thanks to the support from the businesses, the refurbishment project became much more feasible, compared to what it was originally expected to cost.
Nieve commented: “We are extremely proud to be part of the Armagh community, who through their continued support of our playgroup, have made our dream a reality.
“These works will ensure the longevity of The Firs Playgroup, so that we can continue to provide our current children and the future generations of Armagh with high quality early years provision.”
