Loughgiel Shamrocks shortlisted in Coca-Cola’s ‘Thank You Fund’

The Fund which is designed to support projects and initiatives that promote active lifestyles, will award one overall winner £20,500/€25,000 and ten runners up £8,200/€10,000 in November 2012. 32 organisations have also been shortlisted from the Republic of Ireland.

The next stage of the competition is a public vote which goes live on Saturday the 1st September and closes on 30th September 2012. The public vote will count for 50% of the total vote with the judging panel awarding the remaining 50%.

Speaking Maire Campbell, Public Affairs and Communications Director, Coca-Cola HBC Ireland, said: “The response to the ‘Coca-Cola Thank You Fund’ has been remarkable and we have received many fantastic entries which showcase the inspirational work that takes place in communities.

“It is our hope that the funding will be used on projects that will have a long-term and sustainable benefit. We know from experience that when organisations receive even a little support they can do amazing things. We are very excited about the potential projects in the shortlist and would encourage members of the public to go online to www.coca-cola.ie, review the applications and to vote for their favourite.”

“We would also like to thank all those that were not shortlisted for taking the time to apply. We’ve been very impressed by all the entries and amazed and humbled by the work that is being done – in many cases by dedicated and hard-working volunteers. We would like to wish all those organisations best wishes for the future and wish the final 45 the best of luck in these final stages.”

The ‘Coca-Cola Thank You Fund’ is operated in partnership with The Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action (NICVA) and The Wheel.