THE Letterkenny Community Development Project recently enjoyed their 21 year anniversary with an Intercultural Fashion Show in the Raddison Blu Hotel in Letterkenny.
Established in Glencar in 2001, the project was set up to expand across all of Letterkenny and Donegal. Margaret Toner, the Voluntary Manager of the Letterkenny CDP, is one of its founding members and has been there for all of the changes and challenges that they have experienced over the years.
Today, the project runs multiple programmes to help people of various backgrounds and denominations in the community experiencing difficulty, as well as supporting those who struggle with alcohol, drug abuse and disabilities.
The project, which also runs the Learn n’ Play Preschool in Glencar, works closely with the Letterkenny Chamber of Commerce and the County Council.
Speaking to the Donegal News, Ms Toner said the fact that the project was still running and going strong, despite many challenges, was the main highlight for her as they reach this milestone.
Margaret’s involvement began due to her own experiences and the trauma that she has faced throughout her life. When she needed support, it was the community around her that got her through and she was inspired to stay apart of the group and give back.
There are lots coming for the Community Development Project in the near future. There is a Family Fun Day following the anniversary this Saturday.
There will be face painting, arts and crafts, a DJ and a Fashion Show for children and families of the communities this weekend in the Courtyard Shopping Centre.
The CDP are always planning and working to improve the lives of local communities.
They will soon be holding a live nativity play in the Courtyard Shopping Centre and are ready to continue and adapt their programmes into 2023.
The recent Fashion Show presented the cultural fashions of 12 different culture groups with members of many ethnic families who have made their home in Letterkenny in a display of colour and glamour.
The show included a Non-Alcohol Reception and the cutting of the cake by Anne Boyle, another of the founding members.
Chairperson Anne Marie Gallagher and director Gerry McMonagle spoke of their involvement and said they are looking forward to the expansion of the Letterkenny CDP which is based in the Courtyard Shopping Centre, Letterkenny.
They extended their thanks to everyone for their contribution to the event; Donegal County Council, Healthy Donegal, D.L.D.C., The Courtyard Shopping Centre, the Northwest Regional Drugs and Alcohol Task Force and especially the models composed of members of Letterkenny CDP management and staff, local business people, An Garda Siochana, local politicians and the members of the ethnic communities.
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