The Scoop Talks to: Sara O’Neill and Women’s Aid NI
By Alice Wesley
Sara O’Neill, is an award-winning artist and founder of ‘Éadach by Sara O’Neill’, has just entered her second year of producing Christmas cards which support Women’s Aid NI.
The designs, inspired by her new folklore tale ‘Millie’s story’, are a ‘tribute to the working women of Belfast and Ulster’ in the textile industry. The four pictures each feature various well-known historical buildings across the city, and packs of cards are accompanied by prints detailing the story of ‘Millie’ and her dreams of life beyond the linen mills. They also act to highlight the hard work of these women, often left behind in stories of those times, and something Ms O’Neill was eager to draw attention to.
She told us of how Ulster Museum recently bought her first ‘Millie’ collection, developed over a number of years, and the creation of cards offered her an ideal opportunity to give back to the women the story commemorates. There was an expression of hope that by collaborating once again with Women’s Aid NI, Ms O’Neill could make a difference to the lives of vulnerable women and children this Christmas.
Ms O’Neill’s previous collaboration with Women’s Aid NI last year was successful. Together they raised just shy of £4000. However, this year’s card sales have already far exceeded this impressive bar, already the collaboration has raised £9000 through their sale.
The Scoop was lucky enough to be invited to a packing event organised by Women’s Aid last week at Allstate Insurance’s waterfront offices. Volunteers gathered to put together packs of these beautiful cards ready for shipping.
Women’s Aid NI explained their long standing relationship with Allstate. The two organisations often collaborate in order to facilitate fundraising campaigns and hold events on their premises. This partnership is one which should be lauded as it demonstrates a local organisation which is passionate about women's issues enough to stretch their participation beyond donations. Representatives from Women’s Aid also drew attention to the nature of their work within the Federation, with a focus on the fundraising and logistical elements that take place and how these allow the regional offices to tackle the on-the-ground issues, and the critical role that events such as the card production and packing can play in those efforts.
For most involved, the event marked the beginning of the festivities for the season as it was full of Christmas cheer, with music and collaboration. Volunteers from Allstate and the Women’s Aid Federation were joined by a couple of famous faces in actor Seamus O’Hara (Dungeons and Dragons) and actress Tara Lynne O’Neill (Derry Girls).
All-in-all, the event offered a perfect opportunity for reflection on giving back this Christmas, with Ms O’Neill and Women’s Aid NI leading the way in spreading this important festive cheer!
Edited by David Willliamson
Alice Wesley is a final year Politics student and co-edits the ‘News’ portion of The Scoop.