Ards and North Down Mayor Councillor Trevor Cummings has announced his chosen charities for the year.
The Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Trevor Cummings, has announced the charities that he will support during his term of office.
He has chosen Bangor Foodbank and Community Support (BFCS), Newtownards Foodbank, and the RUCGC-PSNI Benevolent Fund.
Commenting on his choices, the Mayor said: “During my term as Mayor, I intend to help everyone in our borough build hope during these difficult times.
“I’m proud to be supporting three deserving charities that provide so much assistance to the people of Ards and North Down.”
Bangor Foodbank and Community Support was launched in 2012 and is a member of the Trussell Trust network of foodbanks. It provides a safety net for at-risk families, the elderly and individuals in North Down.
The Newtownards Foodbank opened in 2011 and was the first Trussell Trust Foodbank in Northern Ireland. It has served the community in Newtownards and the surrounding borough by supplying emergency food parcels and support to local people.
Cllr Cummings added: “The foodbanks have been extremely busy during the pandemic. They have supported many residents in our borough and continue to do so during this time of need.
“We need to build hope as a community so I’m looking forward to raising awareness about their activities and I want to encourage our community and businesses to support them in return.”
“The RUCGC-PSNI Benevolent Fund, which originated following public donations for injured officers at the height of civil unrest in Northern Ireland, has played a critical role over the last four decades in supporting widows, dependents and the parents of deceased officers, as well as serving officers, and retired RUCGC and PSNI officers.
“Many of these officers and their families live in our Borough. They have dedicated their lives to serving our community and the aim of the Fund is to help relieve hardship, need and distress of those who have suffered serious injury or have lost loved ones.”
Due to the pandemic, many of the Mayor’s charity events are unable to take place.
However, if you wish to make a donation to the charities, contact the Mayor’s office on 0300 013 3333 or email: mayors.office@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk
