Mayor launches Initiative to Support UNICEF’s Gaza Appeal for Children in Crisis

Mayor launches Initiative to Support UNICEF's Gaza Appeal for Children in Crisis

5 November 2025

The Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Ruairí McHugh, has today announced details of a major new Council-wide initiative encouraging local communities, schools, and businesses to fundraise for UNICEF's Gaza Appeal for Children in Crisis.

The initiative is timed to coincide with World Children's Day on November 20th, UNICEF's global day for action for children and to mark the Council's status as a UNICEF Child Friendly City and Community.

The Mayor is appealing to all sectors of the community to organise events or activities between November 17th and 23rd to raise vital funds. Activities can include cookouts, collections, sponsored challenges, and non-uniform days.

Mayor McHugh emphasising the critical need for support is calling on local communities to get involved.

He said: "The humanitarian crisis unfolding for children in Gaza is heartbreaking, and as a Child Friendly City, we have a moral obligation to act. World Children's Day reminds us of the rights of every child, and right now, the children of Gaza are in desperate need of survival, protection, and support.

"I am urging every school, community group, voluntary organisation, and business across our Council area to stand with us. Let's channel our community spirit into practical action. Whether you host a small bake sale or a large, sponsored event, every single pound raised will make a direct difference to a child facing unimaginable hardship. Please join this Mayoral Initiative and show the world the compassion of the people of Derry and Strabane."

Organisers are encouraged to register their fundraising event or activity with the Mayor's Office so it can be promoted across the Council's website and social media platforms.

Register Your Event: Interested participants should register their activity by clicking the link here: https://forms.office.com/e/DXzyHVW3Jr

The Mayor hopes to attend as many registered events as possible to offer his personal thanks and encouragement.

For individuals wishing to donate directly to the appeal, the following channels are available:

Just Giving: Donations can be made online via the dedicated Just Giving page: https://www.justgiving.com/page/mayor-derrystrabane-1?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL

Volunteers will be holding official street collections in Derry and Strabane on Thursday 20th November 2025.

All funds raised through this Mayoral Initiative will be donated to the UNICEF Gaza Appeal for Children in Crisis to support their work in providing essential supplies and services.