Cash boost for town groups

Among those to receive funding was Care in Crisis Lurgan, which received £5,000, Lurgan YMCA, which received £5,000 and Zero-8-Teen in Craigavon (£2,631).

Nearly £1.3 million was distributed to 647 grass roots charities across Northern Ireland by The Halifax Foundation for Northern Ireland last year benefiting thousands of people through local projects.

A celebration of the hard work and dedication of these charitable organisations was held in Parliament Buildings in Stormont on 11th October. The representatives from the groups were welcomed to the reception by the Minister for Communities, Paul Givan and MLAs representing constituencies in all six counties.

The groups supported by the Foundation provide help to thousands of people in Northern Ireland providing services such as disability support, anti-bullying projects, debt counselling, food banks, support for the elderly, drugs and alcohol awareness, early years interventions, sports programmes, community groups and so much more.

Over the past 31 years, the Foundation has distributed £33.8m to a vast range of projects aimed at improving conditions in socially deprived areas of Northern Ireland. The Foundation receives an annual donation from Lloyds Banking Group to fund its Community Grant Programme, Matched Giving Programme and Special Initiatives Programme.

Sandara Kelso-Robb, Executive Director of the Halifax Foundation for Northern Ireland, said: “These groups represent the best of Northern Ireland. Many are made up of dedicated volunteers working hard, often without recognition, to provide vital facilities and services for people of all ages in the local community. Without financial support, these groups simply would not exist.

“We are continuing to meet the escalating needs of the local community by funding these groups and are delighted to celebrate another successful year of investment in important projects that are making a difference to so many lives.”