GIVE A DAY TO OMAGH LAUNCHED BY GERRY KELLY
Give A Day To Omagh' launched by Gerry Kelly
On November 10th T.V. personality, Gerry Kelly launched the 'Give A Day to Omagh' campaign at a photo-opportunity in the Europa Bus Centre in Belfast.
Since August 15th thousands of people from all over Ireland have contacted traders, counsellors and church leaders on Omagh asking what they can do to help the town. Now those well wishers are being invited to spend a day in Omagh town centre to support the local community in the run up to Christmas.
T.V.'s Gerry Kelly launched the campaign from behind the wheel of one of Translink's luxury Goldliner buses. As the 'driver of the Omagh Ulsterbus arriving in Belfast to launch the campaign, Gerry's passengers included local traders, business leaders and representatives from Omagh. Urging support for the initiative, Patrick Bogues from the Omagh Traders Association said: "The sheer size of the atrocity virtually decimated the commercial heart of Omagh. While still living with the terrible human tragedies, we are now rebuilding and reclaiming the town. Visiting Omagh town and it's beautiful surroundings for just one day will show solidarity with the people, the traders and the entire community."
People are being encouraged to visit Omagh as individual or as groups and will receive a badge saying, 'I Gave A Day To Omagh'.
Since the launch the first organised visit involving church leaders, took place on November 14th last.
Appealing for support, Michael Gaine, president of the Omagh Chamber of Commerce and Industry said: "The rebuilding of Omagh
cannot be done by businesses in isolation, the task is simply too great. It must be tackled by the entire community, with the leadership of the business organisations and the goodwill of the people. People have been afraid to return to the town and we must lay that ghost of terror. 'Give A Day To Omagh' is the first step in this process."
Many personalities from radio, television and entertainment have offered their support for the 'Give A Day to Omagh' campaign and will visit the town between now and Christmas.
On November 10th T.V. personality, Gerry Kelly launched the 'Give A Day to Omagh' campaign at a photo-opportunity in the Europa Bus Centre in Belfast.
Since August 15th thousands of people from all over Ireland have contacted traders, counsellors and church leaders on Omagh asking what they can do to help the town. Now those well wishers are being invited to spend a day in Omagh town centre to support the local community in the run up to Christmas.
T.V.'s Gerry Kelly launched the campaign from behind the wheel of one of Translink's luxury Goldliner buses. As the 'driver of the Omagh Ulsterbus arriving in Belfast to launch the campaign, Gerry's passengers included local traders, business leaders and representatives from Omagh. Urging support for the initiative, Patrick Bogues from the Omagh Traders Association said: "The sheer size of the atrocity virtually decimated the commercial heart of Omagh. While still living with the terrible human tragedies, we are now rebuilding and reclaiming the town. Visiting Omagh town and it's beautiful surroundings for just one day will show solidarity with the people, the traders and the entire community."
People are being encouraged to visit Omagh as individual or as groups and will receive a badge saying, 'I Gave A Day To Omagh'.
Since the launch the first organised visit involving church leaders, took place on November 14th last.
Appealing for support, Michael Gaine, president of the Omagh Chamber of Commerce and Industry said: "The rebuilding of Omagh
cannot be done by businesses in isolation, the task is simply too great. It must be tackled by the entire community, with the leadership of the business organisations and the goodwill of the people. People have been afraid to return to the town and we must lay that ghost of terror. 'Give A Day To Omagh' is the first step in this process."
Many personalities from radio, television and entertainment have offered their support for the 'Give A Day to Omagh' campaign and will visit the town between now and Christmas.
Further Information
Publisher: DONEGAL DEMOCRAT
Ref: DOD/034
Published Date: 26-Nov-98
Related Images
There have been no images archived for this article.