WE BELIEVE IN HOPE
In the Autumn of 2018, a Ballyclare farmer wanted to find a way to help and support local people who wanted to make a difference in their communities. He decided to plant some daffodils in a field near his home, thousands of them and he offered folk the opportunity to come and pick them. He asked for nothing in return, other than that every little bunch of flowers picked was u
sed to give hope, joy and happiness. People came in that first year, hundreds of them and the hope that grew in those little yellow flowers bloomed across our community. The field lay quiet in 2020 but hope was never lost. In 2021, the field was opened to the public again and the response was genuinely overwhelming. Again the farmer asked for absolutely nothing in return, but if visitors wanted to make a donation to the ‘Field of Hope’ Fundraising Campaign that was set up by Love Ballyclare to raise funds to support the work of Alzheimer's Society NI and Age NI's Dementia Day Centre in Ballyclare, it would be greatly appreciated. Over £2,000 was raised in a few short weeks to support the work of these 2 amazing charities, and many others in our community. It was an experience that anyone who visited the field will never forget; magical memories were made and hope and joy was spread through every penny donated and through every little flower picked and shared. HOPE FOR UKRAINE
This year the daffodils are back in a world that again is much changed. We watch with horror and disbelief at what is happening in Ukraine. The pain and suffering of the brave Ukrainian people that we witness on our screens and in the media is unimaginable as their country is devastated by the cruel and heartless Russian invasion. Cities, towns and villages are being destroyed, homes and loved ones lost, families separated and innocent men, women and children traumatised by the horrors they have witnessed and the uncertainty of what the future may hold for them and for our world. To help support them, the Field of Hope will be opened again from St Patrick’s Day to show our support for these brave people. We would encourage anyone who wants to come along, to pick a bunch of daffodils and in return, make a donation on the special fundraising page that has been set up to collect the donations and support the efforts of the Disasters Emergency Committee and their local partners who are in Ukraine and in neighbouring countries, providing food, water, shelter and medical assistance. HOPE FOR BALLYCLARE
Locally, we will also be making a donation to support the work of the Alzheimer’s Society and Age NI in Northern Ireland. Sadly, there can be very few of us who don't know someone who is living with dementia, and tragically Coronavirus has impacted hardest on those people with dementia and their families. That's why, through this campaign, we hope to raise as much money as we can to support the vital work of these 2 dedicated local charities and also help us work towards making Ballyclare a Dementia Friendly Town in 2022. No matter how big or small, your donation will make a difference to the lives of so many people, both here and in Ukraine, so please give what you can. Every bunch of daffodils picked and every donation made will help those who need it most. We look forward to seeing you soon. Thank you.
•••sorry but dogs are are not allowed in the Field of Hope•••
