First beginning in 2022, wee ‘Millie’ is a character Sara designed, inspired by the old textile workers of Belfast.
The award-winning fashion entrepreneur has had a busy year, having launched her clothing brand Éadach in New York and Paris, but she says the Millie project “is like a non-negotiable”.
“No matter what else is happening, this project has to happen because it’s just such a joyful part of my year,” Sara said.
“It’s lovely to hear from other people that it’s become a tradition for them — people look forward to it. And obviously, at the very core of it, it’s about fundraising for Women’s Aid and the sadly essential work they do.”
Thus far this year, pre-sales for the intricately detailed cards have garnered £8,100 for Women’s Aid Northern Ireland — the country’s main domestic abuse charity, which currently receives no core funding from the Department of Health.
“In year one, our core funding was cut in half, right down from £150,000 to £73,000. Last year it was cut in half again
Since beginning the fundraiser three years ago, £58,100 has been raised for the organisation.
Sarah Mason, chief executive at Women’s Aid Federation NI, said: “In year one, our core funding was cut in half, right down from £150,000 to £73,000.
“Last year it was cut in half again and the money Sara is raising is keeping us going.
“All of our work now is going through the Change Fund, but we have no core funding from the Department of Health. So Sara’s social media and her call for action to support Women’s Aid has really, really raised the profile.”
The First Minister attended the card-packing yesterday afternoon — which was done entirely by volunteers at Belfast Central Library.
Volunteers including Michelle O’Neill pack the cards
Ms Mason said she told Michelle O’Neill how appreciative they are for the Executive Office’s Change Fund, which is linked to the Government’s Ending Violence Against Women and Girls strategy.
“We are running four major outputs of training in early years, in post-primary, in third-level education, and in nursing and midwifery,” Ms Mason explained.
“We’re being paid for delivering and developing our programmes through the Change Fund, so its a different kind of funding, and it’s funding salaries.
“That is coming from the Executive Office, but we have no core structure to keep the organisation going while we’re doing new bids.”
This year’s Millie design centres on Belfast Central Library, chosen for both its beauty and symbolism.
The idea began two years earlier, when Sian, a librarian and fellow Dominican College alumna, invited Sara to visit the building and consider a community art collaboration.
The library has a large front window partially obscured by a lift shaft, and Sara’s artwork was created to cover it, and showcase Millie’s new adventure.
First Minister Michelle O’Neill and Millie creator Sara O’Neill at the Christmas card packing day
Sara was drawn to the library not only for its architecture but also for its history of civic generosity: it was funded by Belfast ratepayers at a time when many resisted paying for public libraries.
The project connects to her broader goal of helping people reconnect with Belfast’s heritage, encouraging locals to notice and appreciate the historic buildings they pass every day.
Follow @saraoneillartist on Instagram or visit womensaidni.org to find out more info about Millie Christmas cards