Watch: Bluestack Foundation sing their thanks after 'life-changing' donation

Christmas came early for the Bluestack Foundation in Donegal Town thanks to a kindhearted donation from businessman Tim Kelly, described as “life-changing”.

Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council Martin Harley made the presentation of an unnamed but substantial sum on behalf of Mr Kelly, who was last week given the Freedom of Donegal.

Young adults from the training and progression programme sang ‘Perfect’ by Ed Sheeran to welcome Cllr Harley to the facility.

“I’m delighted that Tim Kelly made the donation and I’m over the moon for this very special place, with all the fantastic singers,” Cllr Harley, who was joined by his wife Denise and daughter Natalie, said at Bluestack House. “Thank you for making us feel so welcome. I know if Tim was here he would be so delighted. What happens here changes lives.

Mr Kelly is known for his tireless support of the Donegal Diaspora. Based in London, the Frosses native has built a hugely successful telecommunications business, giving employment to countless Donegal people over the decades.

“On behalf of the Bluestack Foundation, I would like to thank you so much,” Wendy McCarry, CEO of the Bluestack Foundation, said about the donation. “Firstly for thinking of us and for putting us forward to be a recipient of this donation. The Bluestack Foundation is so special to us and it’s in our hearts. There are so many other people who know nothing about what we do, who have never come in and embraced the place and come in and seen what it is like to work here and have the joy that we have on a daily basis.

“We are so reliant on the bucket-shaking in our funding and to have a donation like this given to us is 100 per cent life-changing. It really will make such a difference to all of us here in the year ahead. IKt secures the programme here for the young adults going ahead. We are beyond grateful. You have no idea how much. Even for other families, who may have an adult who needs us, just that exposure and word of mouth make a world of a difference. On behalf of the board, the staff and the members, we cannot thank you enough.”

Founded in 2002 by Patrick McBrearty, the Foundation started off as a challenge, walking the Bluestack Mountains, fundraising to improve services available to children with additional needs.

Santa’s Grotto is open at Bluestack House, based at the Glebe, this Saturday and although the tickets are sold out, there will be tours from 3pm-6pm for €5. Additionally, the Annual Purple Tie Gala Ball will be taking place on December 22, in Harvey's Point.