Newcastle DJ’s Play for Our Local Charities At Quinn’s.
As the Covid-19 epidemic continues, the demand on local charities is increasingly overwhelming. Pressure upon their financial capabilities to provide for those who rely on the voluntary sector is now a stern reality writes Ben King.
In South Down, two prominent DJ’s who play in Quinn’s Bar, Newcastle, have lent their support to the struggling charities. DJs Ruari King and Paul McCardle have showcased their talent virtually in an empty nightclub, which is usually packed full of young revellers.
Instead, the two men have used their talents to unite the community with music and charitable spirit to support the local charities who are under threat. The DJs have been playing on the bar’s Facebook page live every weekend, raising much-needed funds. Charities include Mind Your Mate and Yourself and Cancer Fund for children to name but a few.
virtual disco in support of local charities.
DJ Ruari King, a young and very switched on DJ from Castlewellan said:”We’ve been fund-raising now for a few weeks providing entertainment for the young people out there at the weekends. We thought it was a brilliant idea to be apart this online disco scene during the pandemic.
“Every week that we perform is a strange experience not being in the lively atmosphere of the bar hiving with young people enjoying themselves. It’s an empty room, literally.
“As charities are going to be struggling, Paul Mcardle and I thought it’d be great to help out and put on a show to gather funds for these amazing charities.
“We go live from Quinn’s bar Facebook every Saturday evening as it is enjoyable for us and it gives people something to have a laugh with and simply enjoy the music we provide.”
Charities have been affected by a fall in donations, which would normally have been collected at fundraising events or through their premises, which have been cancelled or closed due to Covid-19.
UK Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced on the 8th April 2020 that charities in Northern Ireland would receive £10 million to support their efforts in the region and keep them economically afloat. But that has to trickle down yet through Northern Ireland.
The charities, many of which are working to support the front line health workers and those affected by the coronavirus, have witnessed a surge in some of their services and still need the help of donations.
The pandemic has given many local communities something to think about in terms of their social values and what it means to be human and our natural connectedness with the rest of humanity. The crisis has brought out the goodness of humanity, reaching out to the vulnerable and those on the margins.
Ruari added: “Join us at the weekend at Quinn’s facebook page and support your local charities who are doing an amazing job!”
