Mainstay DRP Christmas Craft Fair To Draw Crowds
28 November 2011 |
Posted by Jim Masson |
MAKE Mainstay DRP’s last fundraising event of 2011 a very special one by attending the Co Down charity’s annual Christmas Fayre on Saturday 3rd December.
From 10am this Saturday (Santa, stalls and a glass of mulled wine all await festive shoppers at Downpatrick Racecourse.
A dubadubdub! Bill and Ben the flowerpot men will make an appearance at the Mainstay DRP Christmas fayre.
An annual event, the Fayre was a huge success last year so shoppers and Santa seekers are advised to come early to peruse the stalls of artisan produce and bespoke crafts, take a chance at the Tombola table or to visit Santa Claus in his spectacular grotto.
All monies raised on the day will go to the organisation’s long-term fundraising project ‘Building The Dream’ which will create a purpose built development at Killough Road, Downpatrick suited to the needs of older people with a learning disability.
The charity hope to start construction work next year and have already raised half of the £3million required for the ambitious project.
Once again, at the Fayre, the wooden craft items made with much care and attention by Mainstay DRP’s service users will be on sale.
Cathreena Drake, Day Care/Human Resources Manager, says the charity’s workshop has been a hive of activity as the busy woodwork team get the festive orders ready
“Christmas is a time of great excitement at the Mainstay DRP workshop. Knowing that the bespoke wooden items made here at the workshop will be exchanged as gifts over the festive period gives the service users a great sense of achievement – and makes them feel a real part of the community.
“Handcrafted outdoor items for the garden include birdboxes, plantboxes and wheelbarrows. Candle holders, personalised house numbers and name plaques also prove popular as well as the much-loved children’s toy such as the Choo Choo train.
Santa Claus will also be present at the Mainstay DRP's Christmas Fayre at the Downpatrick Racecourse.
“The Mainstay DRP woodcarvers also put their skills to good use restoring small pieces of furniture,” she said.
The workshop was established in 2000 as part of the charity’s daycare facility and has gone from strength to strength ever since.
Cathreena added, “Woodwork forms a part of Mainstay DRP’s daycare facilities alongside arts and crafts and social outings. It is a part that is very much enjoyed and the clients look forward to it every week.
“The service users come to us with their ideas and tell us what they would like to make. It gives them a real sense of achievement when they see the finished item ready for sale.
“By buying a piece of woodcraft from Mainstay DRP, not only do you receive a bespoke gift but you are also making a gift to the charity and contributing to the care and support of adults with a learning disability or severe Autism in the Co Down area.
“Mainstay DRP’s handmade woodcrafts make the perfect Christmas present.”
