Celebrating 10 Years of the Acorn Giving Circle!

1 Dec 2022

We would like to say a huge thank you to all the members of the Acorn Giving Circle as you celebrate this 10 year milestone. Throughout your time you have supported a fantastic 82 organisations in your local area that are proving vital support to those who need it most.

The Acorn Giving Circle is made up of a group of women who aim to make a positive contribution to improving the lives of people living in Derry ~ Londonderry and Strabane, in a small but meaningful way through pooled personal donations.

When the pooled donations reach a target amount, the funds are made available in the form of small grants. These grants support local charitable or community groups and organisations. The Giving Circle prioritise its support to where the need is greatest and where it can make a small but important difference.

Some of the organisations that have received support over the past 10 years are:

Greater Shantallow Community Arts

Christmas can be a difficult time for some people, the preparations themselves can often lead to unnecessary worry for many parents to create the perfect entirety that they see as a successful Christmas. The Giving Circle supported Greater Shantallow Arts to provide 100 children and their parents with the opportunity to enjoy a feel-good Christmas event. Targeting families who otherwise would not have had the opportunity.

Oliver Green, Director at Greater Shantallow Arts commented; “Twas The Week Before Christmas'” has been immeasurable in the positive knock-on effect with the children’s family, friends and wider community. The immense appreciation from the 100 children and their families was overwhelming.”

Bogside & Brandywell Health Forum

With the help from the Giving Circle funding Bogside & Brandywell Health Forum ran a successful health week targeting families with young children. Throughout the week the children learnt the importance of healthy eating, experimented with healthy recipes and new foods. These sessions were also done alongside various physical activities such as karate, gymnastics, football etc, keeping their bodies and minds healthy.

Laura McGuinness, staff member commented; “The children were greeted every morning with a healthy breakfast before starting our schedule of activities. It was noticed that a lot of children did not have something to eat at home prior to coming to our health week. We provided information during that time to parents about healthy lifestyles and better life choices for them and their children.”

Allegri Choir

Supported on their journey by the Giving Circle, Allegri has supported individuals of all ages by providing access to music and drama as a way of encouraging individuals to feel empowered, gain a sense of belonging and promote inclusion.

Margaret Kelly, Chairperson of Allegri said; “We work to eliminate all barriers to arts participation, harnessing the creativity and self-expression of individuals. We offer access to the expertise and guidance of professional musicians and use music to promote cross-cultural understanding. Thank you to the Giving Circle for all your support, without you we could not have supported so many wonderful individuals”

This Giving Tuesday the Acorn Giving Circle awarded almost £10,000 to celebrate 10 years of giving. Below are a list of local organisations supported.