Derry to 'Go Green' for Concern Worldwide

Derry will be showing its support for international development organisation Concern Worldwide by ‘Going Green’ on Friday, October 17, the United Nations International Day for the Eradication of Poverty.

Public buildings in the city including the Guildhall Clock, council offices and the Tinnies in Strabane will be lit up in green in solidarity with people living in extreme poverty around the world.

The Concern Derry volunteers support group will be collecting donations in the city centre and hosting a pub quiz at the Derby Bar at 8.30pm, which is open to everyone. The charity’s bookshop on Ferryquay Street is also inviting the community to pop in, pick up a bargain ‘good read’ and find out more about the life-saving work of Concern.

For over four decades, local people have responded generously to Concern appeals and stood with global communities in times of crisis, including Concern’s current Water for Gaza appeal which hopes to raise £250,000 by Christmas to provide clean, safe water and sanitation support for up to three months to 21,000 people desperately in need in Gaza.

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr Ruairí McHugh, said he was delighted to see the support across the city and district.

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“I am delighted to support the Go Green to Show Your Concern campaign for Concern Worldwide this year, and it’s great to see the support with the street collections and the local community getting involved,” he said.

“As a Council, we recognise that poverty is not confined to distant places — it exists right here in our own communities, with far too many children and families still struggling. But on this one day, we ask everyone to stand in solidarity and send a clear message together: no one, anywhere, should be living in poverty, regardless of where they are in the world.

“I am proud to say that we as a Council have been working with local support organisations over the last two years to design our own Anti-Poverty Strategy. This will help provide pathways out of poverty and reduce the levels of poverty within our Council area.

“We have been working proactively with government and statutory partners, local residents, charities and the community and voluntary sector through our local growth partnerships to deliver interventions to support those in need.

“On Friday, October 17, I am proud to be lighting our Council’s civic buildings in green to support the Go Green to Show Your Concern campaign, helping to raise vital awareness about the widespread issue of poverty - both within our city and district, and across the globe.”

Mick Conway, who has been involved with the city’s Concern Worldwide volunteer support group for many years, said: “The Derry group has always been aware that part of its mission is not just to raise funds, valuable as they are, but to also highlight the problems faced by so many people worldwide. As individuals or local organisations, we can all make a significant contribution. Doing nothing is not an option. Even a small donation can make huge difference to those who receive it.”

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Jackie Trainor, NI Director of Concern Worldwide, said: “Every £1 we receive can be life-changing in the 26 countries we work in. For example, just £5 can purchase a blanket for a family who have been displaced by conflict or provide 30 sachets of nutrition-packed food that saves babies’ lives.

“We dream and have hope that one day, no-one, no matter where they are in the world, will be living in poverty and we ask everyone who shares that sentiment to join us and Go Green this autumn to show their Concern. Whoever you are, or whatever you love to do, you can turn your passion into purpose and do your thing in green to help families escape extreme poverty.”

To show your support, sign up, make a donation or for more information on how you can help, visit: concern.org.uk/gogreen