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South Armagh businesses donate items worth thousands for local families in Christmas appeal

'When you hear the stories of what some people are going through, it's unbelievable'

Camlough appeal
Andrea Watters pictured with some of the donations received from local businesses

A campaign by a Camlough beauty clinic to help people in need this Christmas has already received around £11,000 worth of donations, with more flooding in.

Andrea Watters, owner of Rouge Skincare and Beauty Clinic, said around 30 businesses from Armagh, south Armagh, Newry and Tyrone had already contributed to its Come Together, Stay Together appeal.

Donations include everything from food hampers, grocery and toy vouchers to fuel and tyre vouchers.

Most will be donated to local charities for distribution to those most in need.

There are also other bigger items, including a child’s ride-on tractor and trailer, and members of the public are encouraged to nominate people who they think would he deserving of such a gift.

All nominations will be kept confidential.

Andrea, who ran a similar appeal in 2020 to help people during the Covid pandemic, wants to hear of families or individuals who need a helping hand during the cost of living crisis.

She said: “This year we will be dividing all the donations up and donating them to local charities. We have also asked our followers on social media to nominate families that they think need that extra help around Christmas.

“When you hear the stories of what some people are going through, it’s unbelievable.”

The campaign was launched earlier this months in Dublin when Andrea and staff were attending the Professional Hair and Beauty Awards in The Shelbourne Hotel.

Anyone wishing to nominate a family or individual can do so by contacting Andrea by private message on Facebook.

Updates will be announced on the company’s social media platforms including Facebook and Instagram – @rougeskincareandbeauty.

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