'˜Tree of Hope' funds presented to charities by Carrick Rotary

Carrickfergus Rotary Club's annual Tree of Hope initiative has provided a funding boost for four charities.
(from left) Karen Humphreys, leader of Carrickfergus Childrens Hospice Support Group, Brenda Houston, president of  Carrickfergus Rotary Club and Catherine OHara, Hospice Community fundraiser. INCT 07-706-CON(from left) Karen Humphreys, leader of Carrickfergus Childrens Hospice Support Group, Brenda Houston, president of  Carrickfergus Rotary Club and Catherine OHara, Hospice Community fundraiser. INCT 07-706-CON
(from left) Karen Humphreys, leader of Carrickfergus Childrens Hospice Support Group, Brenda Houston, president of Carrickfergus Rotary Club and Catherine OHara, Hospice Community fundraiser. INCT 07-706-CON

Brenda Houston, president of Carrickfergus Rotary, expressed her delight at being able to hand over substantial cheques to support the work of Children’s Hospice, Action Cancer, Diabetes UK and the British Heart Foundation.

This was the outcome of the collection at the ‘Tree of Hope’ sited at Tesco Carrickfergus in the run up to Christmas.

Present to receive the cheque for Children’s Hospice were Karen Humphreys, leader of the Carrickfergus Children’s Hospice Support Group and Catherine O’Hara, Community fundraiser for the charity.

Anne Ritchie, Tesco Community champion accepts the cheque for Diabetes UK and the British Heart Foundation from Brenda Houston, president Carrickfergus Rotary Club. INCT 07-707-CON.Anne Ritchie, Tesco Community champion accepts the cheque for Diabetes UK and the British Heart Foundation from Brenda Houston, president Carrickfergus Rotary Club. INCT 07-707-CON.
Anne Ritchie, Tesco Community champion accepts the cheque for Diabetes UK and the British Heart Foundation from Brenda Houston, president Carrickfergus Rotary Club. INCT 07-707-CON.

Anne Ritchie, Tesco’s Community champion, accepted the cheque on behalf of Diabetes UK and the British Heart Foundation. The Action Cancer cheque is to be presented at a later date.

The recipients expressed their gratitude for the support of Carrickfergus Rotary Club and detailed the sort of activities that would benefit from the generous donations.

In conclusion, Brenda Houston thanked all those who, along with members of the Rotary Club, had helped at the tree. These included members of Carrickfergus and District Men’s Probus Club, Downshire Interact Club, Carrickfergus Inner Wheel, Abbey Insurance, Carrickfergus Action Cancer, Carrickfergus Hospice Support group and friends in the community who volunteered.

She also paid tribute to Tesco for facilitating the venture and reserved special thanks for shoppers who so generously supported it.

The president reminded those present that in the seven years the club has organised the Tree of Hope over £70.000 has been raised for deserving causes.