Asda backs NI charity helping young people through fishing
A charity working with young people to boost wellbeing through fishing has raised thousands of pounds with support from Asda.
In its latest collection, volunteers for Angling First, a group which takes children from across Northern Ireland out of towns and cities to try their hand at fishing, collected a total of £1,508 at Asda Downpatrick to bolster their work in the community.
The recent collection was the latest in a series carried out with support from Asda, with previous visits to stores across Northern Ireland including Asda Westwood, Asda Shore Road and Asda Kilkeel.
Director Mark McGivern said: “We’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone we’ve worked with at Asda for their support, from Downpatrick to Westwood, Shore Road to Kilkeel.
“As well as the incredibly generous donations we’ve received from colleagues and customers, the response we’ve had from the public about the positive impact of fishing is brilliant.
“Some time ago, while addressing a Stormont committee about how we engage with the community, I mentioned the support we get from Asda’s Community Champions, who help us raise awareness with groups in their area who may wish to access our services.
“Their support, both in fundraising, and in getting the word out about what we do, has been invaluable.”
Mark launched Angling First more than 20 years ago as a way to help reach children and young people who could benefit from the transformative power of fishing.
“The team – Mark and three volunteers – now work with more than 15 schools across Northern Ireland to facilitate visits from P7 pupils at their fishery in Dromore, County Down.
“So far this year, they have welcomed around 2,000 youngsters to their half-acre pond to have a go at angling, with around 90 children and their families invited back in the summer for a fishing trip on the charity’s boat in recognition of standout behaviour.
“We have schools booking trips a year in advance because the kids get so much out of it.
“The best thing about fishing is that anyone can be good at it. And from experience, the ones we see benefit most are the quiet kids who behave themselves and try their best but tend to be overlooked.
“Fishing gives them space to be themselves and to socialise in a place they don’t have to keep up appearances. Crucially, it takes them outdoors and away from their screens. And we know it makes an impact, with nearly one in five keeping up angling after their time with us.
“We rely almost entirely on public donations, so Asda’s support makes a huge difference to the work we do.”
Linda Owens, Community and Customer Champion at Asda Downpatrick, said this is why she and the team are so happy to show their support. “Charities like Angling First make an incredible contribution to our communities.
“We loved having Mark and the team down at the store for their collection. Not only were we delighted with the funds they were able to raise, but it was fantastic to hear more about the incredible work they do.”
As well as working with children and young people, Angling First also caters for adult groups including military veterans and people living in sheltered accommodation. They also facilitate fishing trips for groups nominated by Asda Community Champions in areas they have held collections.
Mark added: “It’s a way to express our appreciation to Asda and their customers for their kind support.”
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