Kells makes big Christmas effort with lights and voucher scheme

There was huge excitement among Kells's younger residents on Sunday when Santa arrived aboard a big red fire engine to switch on the Christmas lights in the town. Assisted by Mr Frostie and a big crowd of children and their parents, the festive celebrations also included the launch of the kells Gift Voucher Scheme by Kells Chamber of Commerce. The large presence of civil defence personnel also delighted the many children who attended. Chamber president, Jess Olohan, said she was delighted with the turnout and also with the support of local people to the door-to-door collecxtion to help fund the lights. She also called on the people of Kells to support their local shops this festive season with the help of Kells Gift Vouchers. This unique voucher scheme, an initiative of the Chamber, aims to promote the importance of shopping locally. The scheme has been a great success since its launch in October 2008. To date, more than €47,000 worth of vouchers have been purchased and all of this is money that will be spent in local retail outlets. The chamber points out that the vouchers are also tax-efficient for both employees and employers. A Kells Gift Voucher up to the value of €250 can be given each year to an employee as a Christmas bonus and this is tax-free. The employer also saves PRSI on the gift. "We are doing our best to get behind the town and its traders. This is the public's opportunity to support local business. In light of the current difficult economic climate and the continued exodus of shoppers to Northern Ireland, it is all the more important to support your town's traders," said Ms Olohan. Over 50 local traders and companies in Kells have signed up to the gift voucher scheme - from pharmacies to shoe shops to hairdressers to home interiors and gift outlets. People can spend their voucher on a meal out, golf equipment, beauty and spa treatments, flowers, hotel accommodation, car servicing or a wide range of clothes for men, women and children. Other goods and services on offer include driving lessons, hardware and electrical goods, health products or computer and stationery supplies. Kells Chamber is supporting the scheme with a wide-ranging advertising and poster campaign. Retailers can join the scheme free of charge, once they are members of the chamber. The vouchers are available in denominations of €10, €20 or €50 and are presented in an attractive wallet. Participating retailers will also display stickers in their shop windows to show that they accept the vouchers, which are valid for 24 months from the date of issue and make ideal gifts for weddings, birthdays or any special occasion. Kells Gift Vouchers are available to buy from O'Brien's SuperValu, Kells Shopping Centre; St Colmcille's Credit Union, Headfort Place, or the Kells Chamber of Commerce Office, phone (046) 924 0055.