Charity black tie ‘gala’

THE Foyle Search and Rescue ‘Black Tie Gala Ball’ will take place on Saturday, October 1, in the City Hotel.

The aim of the event is to raise money to offset the cost of the repair to the pontoon which was damaged by the severe ice in the river in December last year. The evening will also be a night of celebration, commemoration and acknowledgement of the dedication of the charity’s volunteers over the past 18 years.

Foyle Search and Rescue need their launching pontoon now more than ever after recently being told they can no longer use white flashing lights when responding to emergencies. Members fear an increase in response times as volunteers will now have to negotiate their way through city centre traffic to reach the boats at the Council pontoon.

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“The repair and reinstallation of our own pontoon at Prehen would provide us with a vital launching platform in a much quieter, more accessible area of the City. The cost of this work comes in at a staggering £78,000, money which we simply does not have to spare in such tough financial times,” said chairman Craig Smyth.

Throughout the history of the organisation support has come from local people, who ensure the charity can continue their life-saving work.

“The volunteers of Foyle Search and Rescue are always overwhelmed by the support we receive from the public, should it be in the form of donations, fundraising events or cards and messages of support for the work of the charity. It gives everyone within the organisation a much needed boost and a great sense of pride for the vital work that is being done for our City and its inhabitants,” Craig said.

He Revealed that since Foyle Search and Rescue’s formation in 1993, over 1800 potential suicides have been prevented by the charity. Prior to their formation there was an estimated 25 to 30 deaths in the River Foyle per year. Since then 245 people have been rescued from the water alive and 90 bodies have been recovered and returned to grieving families.

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In 2011 alone the Charity’s volunteers have dealt with 82 incidents, 37 of which were attended to by the organisation’s Emergency Response Pager Team. Out of these incidents 16 people were taken out of the river alive, 40 distraught individuals were taken away from the river’s edge, one body was recovered and two boats in difficulty were located and towed back to safety.

“The work of Foyle Search and Rescue is therefore priceless in such difficult times,” Craig said.

Anyone interested in supporting the charity and attending the Gala Ball should contact Amy Coll on 028 7131 3800.

Tickets are £45 and include a sparkling wine reception, five-course banque, a gift and entertainment by Jazz Ensemble, Encore Contemporary Choir and dancing to Portabello.

Men also receive discount suit hire of £25 at Tomorrows, The Diamond, on presentation of their ticket for the Ball.

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