Representatives from 5th Lisburn Boys Brigade help announce the final fundraising total collectively raised by The Northern Ireland Boys Brigade in aid of Children's Heartbeat Trust.
Last year, Boys Brigade Northern Ireland (BBNI) were delighted to partner with Children’s Heartbeat Trust as their Charity of the Year.
Companies across the length and breath of the province have got behind the partnership and been hugely creative in their fundraising efforts. Between creating calendars to sell, coffee mornings, Polar Plunges and a Lego Nativity to name a few, we are delighted to announce that £21, 836.60 has been raised in support of Children’s Heartbeat Trust.
Bethany Smyth, Engagement Officer and Programme Co-ordinator for BBNI said:
“This year, it has been fantastic to see the ways that our BBNI companies have raised money for Children’s Heartbeat Trust. When I visited the first company to launch the charity this year, I have learnt so much about how this wonderful charity supports children, young people and their families affected by heart disease in Northern Ireland.
I have seen Christmas jumper nights, leaders coming together at IFA with proceeds for Children’s Heartbeat Trust, colouring competitions, sponsored walks and so much effort among our BBNI companies.
Thank you so much to each of our BBNI companies for their efforts in raising money for Children’s Heartbeat Trust.”
The Northern Ireland Boys’ Brigade (BBNI) is a dynamic, flexible, and inspiring Church ministry that offers out of school activities for the age group 4 – 18 in over 240 Church Groups across all six counties in NI.
They aim to help children and young people grow in confidence, gain a sense of belonging as part of a team, try new things, develop new skills, discover their potential, and learn about God’s love.
Lynn Cowan, Fundraising Manager from Children’s Heartbeat Trust commented:
“Children’s Heartbeat Trust is humbled by the incredible support of BBNI over the past year. It was a privilege to support and visit various companies and get the opportunity to thank them personally for their fundraising efforts. We want to express our sincere thanks and gratitude to all the boys, their families, leaders and BBNI Staff for their incredible efforts.
The astounding donations raised will help us to support more families like Charlie from 2nd Kilkeel Anchors, who helped us launched the BBNI partnership. His family received practical, emotional and financial support during the most challenging of times when they had to travel outside of Northern Ireland for Charlies life-saving heart surgery.”
Last year Children’s Heartbeat Trust supported over 500 families including 216 children who had to travel outside of NI for cardiac care or faced long term hospital admissions.
Children’s Heartbeat Trust do not receive any government funding and are reliant on voluntary donations to fund their services. BBNI have gone the extra mile to ensure the charity can continue to deliver their crucial support to heart heroes and their families in Northern Ireland.
To find out more on the work of The Boys Brigade Northern Ireland, please visit their website HERE
