Local charities benefit from cash boost from Halifax Foundation

Attending the Halifax Foundation for Northern Ireland reception at Stormont were: Paul Givan, Minister for Communities; Andrea Huff and Pauline Buller (Aghalee Village Hall) and Hugh Donnelly, Halifax Foundation for Northern Ireland Trustee.

Among those to receive funding was Aghalee Village Hall, which received £2,000, Atlas Women’s Centre (£3,000) and Lisburn City Church Community Trust (£5,000).

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 October 11.

Attending the Halifax Foundation for Northern Ireland reception at Stormont were: Paula Leatham (Halifax Foundation for Northern Ireland Trustee); Gay Sherry-Bingham and Dorrian McCalmont (Atlas Womens Centre).

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.

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.”

Speaking at the reception Minister for Communities Paul Givan said: “I am pleased to be here to pay tribute to The Halifax Foundation for Northern Ireland for their support to so many charities across Northern Ireland. The Foundation has supported over 8,500 projects over the past 30 years. During 2015, 647 grants were awarded across three grant programmes totalling £1.3million to help and meet the needs of the most disadvantaged in society. I am pleased to give my support today to the Foundation and it is my hope that they continue to support local charities and the work they do in our community.”

The Lloyds Banking Group Ambassador for Northern Ireland, Mr Jim McCooe said “Lloyds Banking Group is extremely proud to support the Halifax Foundation for Northern Ireland. The work of the Foundation touches the lives of thousands upon thousands of people in every part of Northern Ireland, making a real difference throughout our communities.”