Culdaff mum to spread festive cheer with Twelve Days of Christmas charity fundraiser

Charity begins at home for an Inishowen woman, who’s planning a Twelve Days of Christmas fundraiser to spread some festive cheer in aid of a worthy local cause.

Culdaff mum Lisa Becker plans to dress up in a unique costume with matching face paint every day in various areas across the locality, for the dozen days leading up to Christmas.

The quirky fundraiser, which begins on Friday, December 12, is built on the success of similar past charity ventures – and the 36-year-old explains what's involved this time.

“Each day I’ll head to a busy public place – like the local shops at peak time – to bring a bit of fun, laughter and light-hearted chaos to people’s day. My aim is simply to make the community smile,” Lisa says.

“I’ll also have someone with me daily to record the reactions, and I’ll be posting and sharing the videos with a donation link on both my own social media and the charity’s pages so people can follow along and get involved.”

This year Lisa has chosen to support Hughie’s Corner in Carndonagh, an important charity which offers donation-funded counselling and play therapy for children and adolescents dealing with issues such as bereavement, anxiety and separation.

The cause is very close to Lisa’s heart, as she reveals.

“I chose Hughie’s Corner because I know how important it is for children to have somewhere safe and supportive to turn to when life feels difficult. I was bullied when I was younger, so I understand how deeply those experiences can affect you and how much it means to have someone who listens and helps you cope.”

“I also know that many children in our area are living in households affected by the mica crisis, and the stress and uncertainty around that can have a real emotional impact on young people.”

She adds: “Hughie’s Corner provides counselling and play therapy in a warm, child-centred way, giving children a space to talk, express themselves and build resilience. Their work genuinely makes a difference to families in our community, and choosing them feels like the right way to support local children who may need that extra bit of care and understanding.”

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Lisa explains how her annual fundraiser has grown from a desire to give back to the Inishowen community, which has supported her through some difficult times.

“A few years ago, I had a serious accident. With three young children at home – my youngest only six months old – I suddenly had to learn how to walk again. I was also going through a separation and moved back home.”

“It was one of the lowest points in my life, but the support I received from local people was incredible. Neighbours, friends and locals all offered help, and, along with my family, they gave me the strength to keep going.”

“That experience showed me how powerful community spirit truly is. We live in such a tight-knit place, and our small local charities, many run by volunteers, give so much every year. The fundraiser is my way of giving something back and maybe giving others a wee smile. I’ve met so many inspiring people along the way, and they’re what motivates me to keep doing it,” she smiles.