Two family-focused local charities are to benefit from the fund-raising efforts of employees at B/E Aerospace, the Kilkeel based company which manufactures more than a quarter of the world’s airline seats writes Orlaith Clinton.
The 830+ employees raised a total of £23,677 to be shared equally between the Cancer Fund for Children and Happy Faces NI… and it was happy faces all round as the two charities accepted the donations and got 2015 off to a high-flying start.
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Capturing the moment: Francine Hanna snaps a selfie to share with her warm-hearted colleagues back at B/E Aerospace. Celebrating the charity cheque handover are (front row, from left) Helen Pullins; Matthew Allen from Cancer Fund for Children; Julie and Craig Smith from Happy Faces NI and Heather Magowan and (back row, from left) Laura McBride, B/E Aerospace Kilkeel Vice President and Managing Director, Martin McGinley, and William Wilson.[/caption]
Laura McBride from the Entertainments Committee at the Kilkeel plant said: “These are two good causes which are ‘close to home’ in every sense. The Happy Faces NI youth club is a near neighbour here in Kilkeel, providing social, sporting and recreational activities for young people, in particular those with a disability or additional needs, while the Cancer Fund for Children has very recently opened its new therapeutic centre at Daisy Lodge, just down the road from us, in Newcastle.
“The work done by these two fantastic organisations is ‘close to home’ emotionally too, because we can all identify with families coping with challenges and recognise the value and importance of appropriate support in tough times.
“Each year B/E Aerospace employees choose two designated charities and we get whole-heartedly behind them with our fundraising efforts, tackling everything from sporting challenges to raffles, fun days and even seasonal parties, dressing up for Hallowe’en and sporting Santa sweaters for Christmas!
“We had a great 2014 raising spirits and funds for Happy Faces and Daisy Lodge and made some great friends in the two charities along the way.”
The charity cheques were presented at a visit to the award-winning Daisy Lodge. Having viewed the facilities there and heard about how the B/E Aerospace donation will be used, Martin McGinley, Vice President and Managing Director of B/E Aerospace Kilkeel, said: “Our employees are clearly a generous lot and they are always eager to lend a helping hand.
“In doing so we all gain much more than we give and our lives are considerably enriched by the direct connections we make with the voluntary sector. It has been a privilege to work with these two outstanding good causes and to offer tangible help with the vital work they do in the community.”
Thanking B/E Aerospace for the company’s year-long support, Matthew Allen, Corporate Fundraiser at Cancer Fund for Children, said: “It has been an absolute pleasure having B/E Aerospace on board as a supporter of Cancer Fund for Children in 2014. Their enthusiasm was evident throughout the year, taking part in some wonderful events, raising over £11,500 for the charity.
Their fundraising was such a fantastic help, and has helped us deliver vital services to children and their families dealing with cancer across Northern Ireland. I wish B/E Aerospace the best luck for 2015 and know they will keep their fantastic enthusiasm going.”
Julie Smith of Happy Faces NI welcomed the donation, said: “We are overwhelmed by the generosity of everyone at B/E Aerospace. We have been able to update and re-launch our ‘Sensory Den’, a calming and relaxing space for many members, which is now open to the general public. Equipment, art supplies and marketing material have also been made possible; this will help to enhance our service offerings to the community.
“I would also like to say how committed and hard working everyone is in the entertainment team; they stand by their word to ensure that all goals are met to raise the money for their chosen charities and it is very commendable. I plan to stay in touch with the team who have become friends of Happy Faces NI to keep them updated with our progress in the future so please pop in and see us, you are welcome anytime!”
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