Sixty groups benefit from Warrenpoint Port 's Community Fund

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: Columba O'Hare; Category: News; Published: 13 February 2023

Warrenpoint Port recently distributed £26,700 to 60 local organisations this week, the proceeds of its Warrenpoint Port Community Fundraiser. The Port invited contributors to the fund to a coffee morning to hear from two of the recipient organisations- Women’s Aid Armagh Down and Warrenpoint Men’s Shed. Pictured from left: Richard Johnston, Board Member, Eamonn McManus, secretary Warrenpoint Men’s Shed, Deborah Loughran, King Communication, Helen Cranney, Women’s Aid Armagh Down, Henry Keenan, treasurer Warrenpoint Men’s Shed, Kieran Grant, Finance Director, Warrenpoint Port, Darren Toombs, Carson McDowell Solicitors, Warrenpoint Port Chief Executive Officer David Holmes, Adrian Irvine Re-Gen, Aislin Gebska, Warrenpoint Port, Kieran Cunning G4S, Judith Barry, Barry Haulage, Frank Heatley, Anley Shipping, David Vuagniaux Combi-lift, Jim Murphy, Modern Tyres, Eugene Kinney, Port Agent, Damian McGrath, Seatruck and Jonathan Rodgers, Mourne Shipping Services.

Warrenpoint Port has distributed £26,700 to 60 different organisations as part of its Community Fund intitiative.

Chris Kent 30 October and Blondie Tribute 28 December @ Canal Court Hotel

The third annual fund brings the total raised and distributed to the local community to more than £58,700. The average donation is £500, with 60 different local groups applying and receiving funding this year (2022).

David Holmes, CEO, Warrenpoint Port said, “We were overwhelmed by the interest in the 2022 fund which we have just finished distributing to the local community. The number of applications is reflective of the current economic difficulties people and groups are facing. We are delighted to make even a small contribution to try to relieve that pressure, from a health and wellbeing perspective. We couldn’t do this without the generosity of our customers, stakeholders, team, and supply chain who kindly give year after year. We would like to sincerely thank them all.”

David Holmes continued, “This fund allows us to see and be part of what is happening in the local community, which is very important to the Port. We are humbled to support the great work of local charities including Southern Area Hospice, Women’s Aid, Head Injury Support, the MS Therapy Centre, and Air Ambulance amongst others; but it also allows us to support Men’s Sheds, Community Gardening Projects, Women’s Groups, schools and activities at youth clubs, nurseries, sports groups and activities for the older members of our society.

“A couple of standout projects for us were, the ability to support the re-establishment of the John McCoy Amateur Boxing Club in Warrenpoint; the purchase of a VR Headset for a Dementia Café in Kilkeel; costumes and makeup for Warrenpoint Pantomime; a six week introduction to tennis course for young people at Rostrevor Tennis Club; supporting the St Patrick’s Day Festival in Warrenpoint and cycle lessons for young people with Down Syndrome through Down Right Brilliant.

“Throughout 2023 we will be profiling the projects this fund has supported through our On Board ezine and on social media to raise awareness of the great work going on in our local community, voluntary, sporting and educational sectors.”

Warrenpoint Port will post a full list of recipient organisations on its website and will profile the projects throughout the year. Donors to the fund were invited to a celebration event this week to hear from two of the recipient organisations, Women’s Aid Armagh Down and Warrenpoint Men’s Shed. The 2023 Community Fund application process will open in November 2023.