Charitybeginsat home

Rathfriland Regeneration group has proven that charity really does begin at home.

The group’s highly successful charity shop “Once Again” has presented cheques to three local charities.

Those benefiting from the Downpatrick Street based shop are Rathfriland Cancer Focus, Rathfriland Royal British Legion Women’s Section and Shimna Valley NI Cancer Fund.

Representatives from the three charities attended a presentation evening in Rathfriland recently where each received a cheque for £1,000.

Rathfriland Regeneration Chairman Mr Pat Rafferty said, “We are delighted to be able to support these three very worthy causes through our charity shop ‘Once Again’.

“The shop hasn’t yet been open a full year but we are really pleased at its success.

“We want to get the message out to people that if they support our shop they are supporting their local community.

“As well as supporting chosen charities we will also be supplementing various community events such as the highly popular Fair Day.

“When people call into the shop to make donations they often ask which charity we support. It gives our volunteers great delight when they are able to say they support the local community in Rathfriland.”

Mr Rafferty said the shop is always looking for donations, and volunteers, and thanked the community for their generosity to date.

Rathfriland Regeneration Group are now taking applications from other charities wanting to be considered for support.

Applications must be made in writing by Friday, August 30, to Mr George James, Cloughmor, Castle Hill, Rathfriland, BT345 NH.

Also attending the presentation night were representatives from PIPS Newry and Mourne, a charity organisation with which Rathfriland Regeneration Group are keen to develop a close working relationship.

Mr Rafferty said, “We are delighted to be helping and supporting PIPS firstly starting with the fun run planned for September.

“PIPS helps families devastated by the experience of loss to suicide and Rathfriland sadly has had its experience with such tragedies over the years.

“Our group will do anything it can to help PIPs such as raising awareness of support programmes and promoting the importance of talking to people.”