Alderman Bill Keery selects chosen charities for his year in office.
The Mayor of Ards and North Down, Alderman Bill Keery, has announced the charities that he will be supporting during his term of office. He has chosen the Air Ambulance Northern Ireland, Bangor Sea Cadets, Decorum NI and Flourish NI.
Commenting on his choice, the Mayor said: “I’m pleased and proud to be supporting four excellent and deserving causes during my term. These charities have worked diligently within the borough for many years, both saving lives and making the lives of others better. I look forward to working with residents across the borough to help these charities raise much needed funds.”
Throughout the year there will a number of fundraising events and activities run by the Mayor to help raise the necessary funds for each of his chosen charities.
Speaking about the exciting year of fundraising that lay ahead the Mayor said: “I would encourage the citizens of Ards and North Down to support these charities by donating or hosting events. Please get in touch with the Council and let us know if you have anything planned and we can help promote this for you as part of the calendar of events we are developing alongside the four charities.”
Grace Williams, Air Ambulance Northern Ireland, said: “We at Air Ambulance NI are very grateful to the Mayor of Ards and North Down, Alderman Bill Keery, for choosing to support the wonderful work of Air Ambulance NI in his mayoral year.
“As our charity is in its infancy, public fundraising support is crucial, as each day we need to raise in the region of £5,500 to keep the service going. Serious or life-threatening situations can happen to anyone at any time and every day in Northern Ireland, one individual finds themselves in desperate need of Air Ambulance NI. We are dedicated to delivering the very best possible patient care, so our service is often the difference between life and death, making your support so vital. We can’t fly without you!”
Robert Kennedy, Chairperson of Bangor Sea Cadets, said: “Bangor Sea Cadets are delighted to have been chosen as one of the Mayor’s nominated charities for 2019-20. All of the staff and cadets in the Bangor Unit are looking forward to helping the Mayor with his charitable endeavours during the coming year.”
Mitch Bresland, Decorum NI said: “At a time when Decorum NI is facing huge demands from former members of the Security Forces for support services, it is hugely appreciated that the organisation has been selected as one of the Mayor’s Charities for 2019-20. Decorum NI particularly look forward to working closely with Alderman Bill Keery during his tenure and assure him of the support of the Chair, Committee and Members.”
Jill Robinson, Flourish NI said: “We are absolutely thrilled to be chosen by the Mayor of Ards and North Down as one of his charities for the year. All monies raised for Flourish will be used to provide direct support services to survivors of modern slavery and will make a real tangible difference to some of the most vulnerable in society.”
For more information on upcoming events or how to get involved contact the Mayor’s office on 0300 013 3333 or email:mayors.office@ardsandnorthdown.gov.u
