MILLIE POPPINS RAISES FUNDS FOR WOMEN’S AID

Sarah Mason CEO WAFNI, Sara O’Neill, Economy Minister Caoimhe Archibald MLA and Libraries NI Chief Executive Jim O’Hagan

A practically perfect character created in tribute to Ulster’s mill workers has raised nearly £60,000 for Women’s Aid Federation NI. 

Millie, the brainchild of North Coast based artist and Éadach designer Sara O’Neill is gracing the front of this year’s festive fundraising cards supporting the charity. 

Millie has the Stormont seal of approval with First Minister Michelle O’Neill among those helping out at the Belfast Central Library pre-ordered card packing event on Thursday.

Sara said: “When I created the Millie character for the Éadach Dreamer print in 2022, it drew on many of the stories people shared with me about the millies in their lives – mums, aunts, grannies. Being inspired by those women inspired me to give back to women. The best way I can do that is through the vital work of WAFNI. Because the Millie character is a homage to generations of Ulster women who may be no longer with us, it feels like it’s their support, strength and community reaching back to support women today who need it, through my pencils, WAFNI and the community that’s grown around this project.”

Since 2022 Sara’s Millie cards have generated nearly £60,000 for WAFNI and increased much needed awareness about ending violence against women and girls.

For the 2025 card Millie is pictured outside Belfast’s Central Library holding on to a flying umbrella while library books cascade from her magical carpet bag. 

The nod to PL Travers Mary Poppins book and Disney film is just the latest depiction of Millie.

In previous years she has been shown on cards at Belfast Castle, the King’s Hall, the Assembly Rooms, and on Dublin’s Grafton Street. 

A team of volunteers make the annual project possible, and all money raised by the public buying the cards resources transformative projects for women and their families at a time when they most need care and support.

Among those also supporting this week's Libraries NI event were Economy Minister Caoimhe Archibald, Women in Media Belfast directors Patricia MacBride and Amanda Ferguson, make up artist Oonagh Boman, hairdresser Aidan Bradley, lawyer Jude Copeland, fashion industry figures Una and Mia Boyd, and Libraries NI and Women’s Aid staff. 

Throughout Sara’s career she has drawn inspiration from Irish women, so it is fitting that her beloved character ‘Millie’ is central to fundraising for WAFNI. 

WAFNI CEO Sarah Mason said awareness raising is as important as the money raised. 

“It’s amazing support from Sara,” she added.

Belfast & Lisburn Women’s Aid CEO Kelly Andrews said: “Christmas can be a very tense time for women and families so we want them to know there is support available. Women’s Aid has been supporting women in refuge provision and out in the community for the last 50 years. People can phone us, webchat or email, or just call into the office.” 

Women’s Aid will be reopening sales of the back catalogue of Sara's Millie cards later this month.

For more visit https://www.womensaidni.org

Millie card sales open again next week: https://womensaidni.bigcartel.com

Sara O’Neill, First Minster Michelle O’Neill,, WAFNI’s Sarah Mason, and Librarie’s NI Chief Executive Jim O’Hagan outside Belfast Central Library