A weekend of fundraising activities in aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care will take place on Friday 28th and Saturday 29th May in Draperstown. The highlight of this years fundraiser is a sponsored firewalk on the Friday night from 9pm at O’Neill and McBride’s salesyard on the Derrynoid road. This is the first time an event of this nature has taken place in Draperstown or indeed the surrounding areas and is sure to be a major attraction. There are still a limited number of places available for anyone fit, able and brave enough to take part in the firewalk. If you would like to take part or find out more then please contact 07835289893

The event is being co-ordinated by firewalking specialists, BLAZE, and will involve a 2 hour training session for all participants prior to the walk. Organisers would also like to extend their appreciation and thanks to the local businessmen and businesswomen for their generosity in covering event costs without whom such an event could not have taken place:

• Ballinascreen Credit Union
• Brian & Anne McGurk (Engineering)
• C3 Computers
• Caulfield Insurance
• Chris Devlin Accident Repairs
• Corramore
• Electrical & Data Systems
• Four Dee NI Ltd.
• H & A Mechanical Services
• Heron Bros.
• K Scroll Ltd.
• Laurence O’Kane (Chemist)
• Rogers Fencing Systems Ltd.
• Sperrin Bakery
• Sperrin Switchgear
• Workspace
• Yardmaster

Other fundraising activities taking place during the weekend include the annual street collection on Friday 28th May and the Black & White theme night on Saturday 29th May in the Market Inn. A £100 first prize is up for grabs for the most original Black & White costume on the night.

A charity Poker Night will be taking place in the GAA complex on Saturday 8th May with proceeds in aid of Habitat for Humanity in Ethiopia. For further details you can contact Leanne on 07749 185183. Admission is by ticket, or you can pay at the door.

The annual street collection in aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care takes place on Friday 28th May followed by a sponsored ‘Fire Walk’. For further details please contact (028) 79628250 or 07835 289893

Children in Crossfire are currently in the process of recruiting 20 enthusiastic individuals for the 25th Budapest Half-Marathon which takes place on 5th September 2010. A £150 deposit is required and a minimum sponsorship applies. For more information you can contact Sarah on (028) 71269898 or email events@childrenincrossfire.org

A Dance will take place in the Sixtowns Community Centre in aid of Fr. Magill’s Burma Appeal on Friday 7th May from 10pm until late. Music will be provided by Cascades. Admission is £5 and refreshments will be served. Everyone is welcome.

The local Action Cancer branch would like to thank all customers for their continued support. Throughout the last year the local Action Cancer shop has helped to raise £10,000 through donations of clothing and bric-a-brac items. Further donations are very welcome. Opening Hours for the Action Cancer shop are:

• Tuesday: 11am – 2pm
• Wednesday: 10am – 1.30pm
• Friday: 11am – 2pm

Congratulations to the pupils, parents and staff of St Columba’s Primary School (Straw) on raising an impressive total of £1196 for the Trócaire Global Gift appeal through donations rather than giving Christmas presents to one another.

St Mary’s Primary School will be taking part in a Cash for Clobber collection in aid of school funds. Any unwanted clothes and shoes can be brought to the school in black bags on the morning of Tuesday 1st December. Your support would be appreciated.

Christmas Tea with Patsy O’Hagan and full supporting cast will take place in An Ráth Dubh on Sunday 13th December. Tickets cost £10 and all proceeds are in aid of Children in Crossfire.

Update: This event has been cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances. Apologies for any inconvenience.

The Christmas Carol Service will take place on Sunday 6th December at 6pm in Straw. There will be an opportunity during the Carol Service for you or your family to donate gifts to the St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal