The Fermanagh Shadow Youth Council are aiming to jump on the gravy train that is the ‘Wristband’ craze.  But, unlike some unscrupulous conmen, the money raised by the new FSYC Wristband will go to a good home, namely the charity CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young). 

Some readers will remember a story carried by ‘The Herald’ a few months ago concerning the ever-growing craze that is wristbands. 

As stated in that story, their popularity have soared since Lance Armstrong introduced his yellow ‘Livestrong’ wristband with its proceeds going to cancer charities.  As a result, other differently coloured wristbands sprung up to aid other charities.  Soon, the wearing of the wristband became more than a donation to charity: it became a fashion accessory.  As always this led to exploitation, with non-charity wristbands popping up with proceeds going straight to the manufacturer. 

Fermanagh Shadow Youth Councillors and delegates were discussing the popularity of these bands and the fact that the initial charity message has been lost. 

The Shadow Council decided that it would great if there was a wristband that young people in Fermanagh could take ownership of because it has been specifically designed for them and was available at a low cost, with the proceeds being used for charities. 

So, the FSYC had their own wristband commissioned.  It is turquoise blue and has the initials ‘FSYC’ on one side and ‘Be Heard’ on the other.  This message is to promote youth voice which is one of the main aims of the Shadow Youth Council. 

The proceeds form the sale of the wristbands will be used to fund a concert in the Autumn term.  The concert will be similar to ‘Bash on the Broad’, hosted by them last year.  The Shadow Council will be holding auditions for acts for the concert in the new school term.  Money raised from the concert will go to the charity CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young.) 

Wristbands are available, for £1 each from Shadow Councillors and Delegates.  They are also available through the FSYC office on the first floor of the Intec Centre (028 6634 3946).