Carrowshee Park/Sylvan Hill Community Association's Carrosyl multi-sports arena
Awarded: £80,000 in 2007
A wasteland near two rural housing estates in Lisnakea, Co Fermanagh, was once a hotspot for underage drinking. Now, that same field is the site of a modern community sports arena, thanks to a People's Millions grant.
Carrowshee Park/Sylvan Hill Community Association was awarded a Lottery grant of £80,000 in 2007 to develop the Carrosyl multi-sports arena, providing sporting facilities to 120 local children and young people, but also open for use to the larger community.
"This is an area of 220 homes with almost 600 residents. The main concern was the effect of the local economic downturn," said Kathleen Breen, local resident and association secretary.
The association, made up of members from the two local estates, has turned the field from a run-down eyesore, strewn with cans and household waste, into a vibrant, modern community sports facility.
Belmont Pre-School Playgroup's Early Years Centre project
Awarded £50,000 in 2008
Before receiving Lottery funding, Belmont Pre-school in east Belfast was on the verge of shutting down.
"We were struggling because we didn't have suitable premises," said Fiona Montgomery, Project Administrator.
"We had been running out of time and getting the funding from People's Millions was crucial to our survival."
Belmont Pre-school Playgroup has been a cornerstone of the local community, serving generations of children for over 40 years.
The grant was used to fund a purpose-built centre and new equipment, ensuring the survival of the school of many years to come.
Foyle Women's Aid's Secret Garden project
Awarded: £50,000 in 2008
Foyle Women's Aid, a Derry charity that works with victims of domestic abuse, used their grant to make their vision of tranquility - a reality.
"We asked the children who use the refuge here to draw us up their wish list of what they wanted in their garden," said Muire Coyle, manager at the Foyle Women's Aid. "When I look at the beautiful, relaxing garden we have now I just think, didn't our children have a wonderful vision.
"The garden was completed last March and there were a few tears shed that day."
The Secret Garden offers women and their family a secluded, safe, outdoor space where they can relax and enjoy nature.
Walking paths, water features and potted plants, as well as scooters and trikes for the children, make the garden a welcome retreat.
Gran Tot Playgroup's Building Our Children's Future project
Awarded £50,000 in 2008
There was double reason to celebrate in 2008 when Gran Tots Playgroup, Swatragh, Co Londonderry, celebrated its 20th anniversary - and landed a 50k grant from the People's Millions.
They received a staggering 61,800 public votes, the highest ever recorded in the competition.
Local mum and playgroup volunteer, Fiona Tohill explained how staff and volunteers had worked tirelessly to secure the grant.
"We must have knocked on virtually every door in the town making sure people knew about us," she said.
The People's Millions funding was crucial to the survival of the playgroup, which was facing closure and whose premises were in disrepair.
"This playgroup is so important to the local community. This is a rural area and parents here rely on us to provide a professional and friendly environment for their children," said Ms. Tohill. "We were just over the moon when we got the grant from the People's Millions contest."
The new playgroup, nursery building and outdoor play area is due to open around Easter.
