Disabled Kids Get Xmas Party, Despite Burglary

Festive cheer has flooded into a north Belfast charity and even the thieves have seen sense and a wheelchair and computer screen stolen last week have been returned.

Hundreds of presents have also been donated to the 174 Trust after thieves broke into its premises last weekend.

The Duncairn Avenue charity, which works with disabled children, has been the target of several attacks in the last six months.

However, staff have now said the response to the latest break-in has been "overwhelming".

Presents for the children's Christmas party were stolen twice this winter while stones have also been thrown at the building and the children, who have also suffered verbal abuse from some local youths.

On Wednesday night, the festive party went ahead, thanks to a mountain of gifts donated from local people and staff from organisations including Marks and Spencer, the Ulster Bank and Newtownabbey Borough Council.

The news came as the Stormont First Minister Peter Robinson and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness jointly condemned the burglary.

DUP leader, Peter Robinson said: "Stealing toys and goods that were for a Christmas party for children with disabilities is despicable. This is something that should not happen and should not be allowed to happen.

"The people who are responsible have no justification for their very selfish and irresponsible act.

"That is why we requested that officials urgently contact the Trust to offer our practical and financial support which will allow the party to go ahead," he said.

Sinn Fein's Martin McGuinness said: "This is the latest in a series of deplorable acts against this group and its premises.

"We will work with the group, local community workers, the PSNI and other statutory bodies to try to prevent such activities happening in the future to this or any other group who do such valuable work in helping others in our society to have a full, happy and productive life.

"I want to take this opportunity to thank the staff at the Trust for the very valuable work that they do all year round and also the staff in other organisations who also give up their time to help others," he said, last night.

Belfast Lord Mayor Pat Convery, who attended the Christmas party, said it had been an excellent response from the community: "It shows that the people of Belfast will respond as and when they are called upon," he said.

Trust Director Bill Shaw told BBC NI they were absolutely delighted that the stolen wheelchair and computer screen had been returned: "The wheelchair was definitely returned to St Vincent de Paul - someone, a lady, brought it back in. She said it was given to her by someone else," he said.

(BMcC/GK)