Fundraising campaign raises almost £180,000 in two weeks to help provide heat, electric, food and gifts for families in need across Northern Ireland

DIGG Deep for Kids, which is spearheaded by Caroline O’Neill, is in aid of the St Vincent De Paul, Save The Children and Cash for Kids.

The campaign, which is now in its fourth year, has raised over £500,000 to date and has helped thousands of families across the Province, for example in the past two years it has provided heat to over 800 homes.

Caroline said: “Once again, we are blown away by the amazing support from the people of Northern Ireland.

"At a time when families across Northern Ireland are making the heart-breaking decision over buying food or heating their home, we have been able to provide over £100,000 to St Vincent De Paul and Save The Children with that will all be used to provide heat, electric and food for those who need the help and support, not just at Christmas, but throughout 2023.”

Caroline gave up her career as an occupational therapist to start a childrenswear brand called DIGG, a nod to her father Robbie, a digger driver.

When Covid hit she made the decision to close the store in Dungannon and channel her efforts into DIGG For Success, an organisation that helps businesses use social media to grow their brand, and more recently the Digg Deep for Kids campaign that supports charities in need around Christmas time.

She said: “DIGG Deep For Kids represents the power of the people as everyone joins together to make this amazing fundraising initiative possible. I would like to thank the people of Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and even around the world, for their kind donations, both in terms of donations and providing gifts, and the many businesses who have provided vital support, especially considering the current challenging times.

“We also have a fabulous team of social media influencers who have used their networks to help maximise the donations and turn the donations into almost £300,000 worth of gifts and essentials for our charities and their help is very much appreciated.”