A well versed Rebekah switches on Assembly Christmas lights

A festive Parliament Buildings was the venue this evening (Wednesday 26 November) for the annual event to switch on the Assembly’s Christmas tree lights.

The Assembly’s Deputy Speaker Roy Beggs MLA and Rebekah Todd, a Year 10 pupil from Belfast Model School for Girls and Winner of the Assembly Christmas Card Verse Competition 2014, officially switched on the Christmas lights. Tonight’s event was also dedicated to people from throughout Northern Ireland affected by homelessness.

Deputy Speaker Roy Beggs MLA said: “The lighting of the Assembly Christmas tree has become the official start of the Christmas season in Parliament Buildings. It is also an opportunity for us to acknowledge the important work and contribution of others throughout the rest of the year”.

“This year’s event was an opportunity to highlight the issue of poverty and in particular the challenges faced by homeless people and to recognise the vital contribution made by those who work tirelessly to support and help those most in need”.

Jim Dennison, Chief Executive of Simon Community said: “Christmas can be a particularly hard time for homeless people in Northern Ireland,   especially for younger people who are facing family breakdown and turn to Simon for support. Fifty percent of our clients last year were aged twenty five or under.

“Rebekah’s verse captures the spirit of Christmas and our aim at Simon is to ensure that individuals and families without a home are included in the festivities and that they too feel a sense of safety and warmth.”

Deputy Speaker Roy Beggs MLA pictured with Rebekah Todd from Belfast Model School for Girls. As winner of the Assembly Christmas Card Verse Competition 2014, Rebekah was chosen to switch on this year’s Christmas Tree lights at Parliament Buildings.