Write a comment
More than 325 Norbrook employees have given their time, skills and generosity to support charities, families and vulnerable groups across Newry and the surrounding area through the company's We Care at Christmas programme.
The initiative, which started in 2019 as an employee-led effort to donate food and toys to local charities, has grown into a large-scale programme that highlights the company's collective spirit and commitment to making a difference in the community. Working with partner organisations such as Bolster, SureStart Newry, Kilkeel Development Association and the Outreach and Rural Health Partnership, the programme continues to grow year-on-year.
deliveries
Julie Sharp, Global People Director at Norbrook, said: "Our We Care programme reflects the generosity and sense of responsibility our people feel towards the community. Year after year, our employees give their time and energy to support those around us, and we are incredibly proud of the positive impact they continue to make across Newry during the festive season."
A key focus of this year's programme was support for Evora Hospice. Norbrook volunteers completed the annual installation of Christmas lights in the hospice garden and decorated the reception area, creating a warm and welcoming space for patients, families and staff. The company also proudly sponsored the Newry Santa Dash in aid of the hospice, which saw 15 Norbrook employees run through Hill Street in full Santa suits.
Taking part in the Newry Santa Dash was Caolan McKerr, Senior Recruiter at Norbrook, who commented: "The annual Santa Dash was a great evening of fun to support a very worthy cause. The atmosphere was great and the Newry Christmas Markets also kicked off on the same night, bringing large crowds onto the streets. It was great to see so many people getting into the festive spirit."
two days
Providing practical support through food and hospitality remained central to the programme. Norbrook's canteen team prepared 250 freshly cooked meals for each of five Meals on Wheels deliveries, providing a total of 1,250 meals to local residents. Eileen O'Connor, canteen manager at Norbrook, says that Meals on Wheels kicks of the festive season to a good start, adding: "The canteen team enjoy providing meals for the less fortunate at this time. The positive feedback that we receive reminds us why it matters."
The company also hosted two senior citizens' Christmas lunches on 12 and 19 December, welcoming around 80 guests each day, supported by 50 volunteers who helped serve meals and create a festive, sociable atmosphere.
Families and children across the area also benefited from the programme. Norbrook teams decorated Rathore School for Christmas, while 500 food hampers and 500 toy hampers were distributed to families across Newry, Mourne and Down through employee donations and company support. Santa's Grotto, held on 11 and 12 December, welcomed more than 156 children across two days, supported by over 75 employee volunteers.
The We Care programme once again demonstrates Norbrook's strong commitment to spreading hope and happiness during the holiday season, with hundreds of local people benefiting from the efforts of staff who volunteered their time across a wide range of initiatives delivered in partnership with local organisations throughout the festive period.
