United effort brings boost for charities

Charity representatives, organisers and sponsors from Tesco, Sainsburys, Whitehead Spar and McMaster's Butchers gathered in St Patrick's Church, Whitehead, for the presentation of money raised at the the Lenten Lunches held by the United Parish of Whitehead and Islandmagee. INCT 19-381-PR

The annual Lenten Lunches were held in the run up to Easter in support of seven charities.

The organisations were represented at a presentation ceremony in St Patrick’s on Thursday morning.

Austin Jenkins, of The United Parish of Saint Patrick’s and Saint John’s, paid tribute to all those who made the lunch-time events a success.

Austin Jenkins hands over a cheque, raised at the Lenten lunches, to Rev Mark Taylor for Church of Ireland Summer Madness. INCT 19-380-PR

“This year’s Lenten Lunches proved once again to be a great success. This, of course, was due to the hard work put in by the kitchen staff, the waiters/waitresses together with those who went out to collect ‘take-out’ orders, not forgetting those who set up the hall and then tidied up afterwards,” he stated.

“We are very grateful to all those who provided us with home baked bread, desserts and any other supplies required. Our sponsors this year were Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Whitehead Spar and McMasters Butchers.”

The charities supported were: Northern Ireland Children to Lapland Trust, RNLI, Leukaemia & Lymphoma Northern Ireland, Northern Ireland Hospice, Chest Heart and Stroke, Church of Ireland Summer Madness and Cancer Research.

Mr Jenkins added: “The seven charities this year will reach received £400, making a total of £2,800 - what a result! So to the ‘team’ and everyone who came each week to support us, a big, big thank-you.”

Mr Jenkins went on to reveal that the thoughts of the organisers are now turning to 2015: “There are already several suggestions as how we can make next year even better, see you then. Thanks again.”