Frampton praises Monkstown volunteers

Former two-weight World Boxing champion Carl Frampton has praised the community volunteers at Monkstown Boxing Club after they supported vulnerable residents during the coronavirus pandemic.
Over 100 hampers are to be distributed to people in need.Over 100 hampers are to be distributed to people in need.
Over 100 hampers are to be distributed to people in need.

During a recent visit to his old boxing club, Midland ABC, the north Belfast man thanked Amy Stewart from Monkstown Boxing Club for her kindhearted efforts.

He said: “Well done for everything you did to help the community during the lockdown.

“It may seem like it’s a small thing, but it’s not. People appreciate it.

“Boxing clubs are more than boxing clubs. They are community centres, almost.”

Amy said supporting the local community during lockdown gave her “joy,” adding: “Monkstown Boxing Club were donating food parcels to the vulnerable and elderly who were isolating or shielding.

“National Lottery funding has helped us provide a lifeline support, not just for those families and pensioners, bust also young people.

“It enabled us to move from face-to-face to a digital platform and we were able to check in on young people and be that support network when the rest of their support networks were ripped from underneath them.”

Meanwhile, members of the Cashel Drive-based club are delivering over 100 Christmas hampers to families and senior citizens in the region.

A spokesperson for Monkstown Boxing Club said: “Special thanks to Santa’s little helpers Susie and Leanne. We couldn’t have done it without you both.”

Commenting on the club’s generous efforts over the past year, Threemilewater DUP Cllr Mark Cooper said: “Amy is a credit to the Monkstown community. Carl’s recognition shows how vital the effort by Amy and the rest of the volunteers was.

“I wish to congratulate Paul at the boxing club, Amy and everyone else who worked tirelessly during the pandemic.

“The community response in Monkstown is unique. All the organisations are working together. There has been a collective response. Groups in Monkstown such as Monkstown Villiage Initiatives, Monkstown Community Association, local schools and the boxing club are collectively using funding received from the Department for Communities to support families, couples and single persons who are under financial pressure during the pandemic. Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council is overseeing the funding.”

Anyone in need of support can contact Cllr Mark Cooper 07771332108, Paul Johnston 07909694328 or Alan Johnston 07703102040. All calls will be confidential.

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