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An Over 30s social club based in Newry has raised a total of £1,232 following two New Year's Day dips in Camlough Lake, with the funds split equally between The Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust and Three Ways Community Association.
Women from the Three Ways Over 30's social club braved the winter waters not once, but twice to raise funds for causes that support families and communities both locally and further afield. Cheque presentations of £616 each were recently made to both organisations.
Group Leader of the Over 30s Social Club, Bernadette Hollywood, said the initiative grew from a simple conversation among members in the lead-up to Christmas. She said: "We were absolutely delighted to raise this amount for two organisations that mean so much to us. The idea came from a conversation one evening when a group of us were gathered just before Christmas, and it really shows what can happen when people come together with a shared purpose."
Bernadette added: "As a group, we have been supported through programmes funded by the National Lottery Community Fund, so we were delighted to have the opportunity to give something back. The dips were challenging but knowing the difference they would make kept us going."
The funds raised will support The Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust in its work assisting families with the repatriation of loved ones following deaths abroad, while also supporting Three Ways Community Association in sustaining its community facility and delivering programmes and events for local residents.
Chairperson of Three Ways Community Association, Cathy Keenan, highlighted the importance of the group's efforts and the impact of the donation. She said: "We are extremely grateful to the ladies involved for their dedication and generosity. They have not only supported us as a local community organisation but have also chosen to support an incredible local charity in The Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust."
Cathy added: "The funds donated will support our community delivery, helping us to continue providing programmes, activities and events that benefit people of all ages across the area."
Founder of The Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust, Collie Bell, outlined the work of the charity and expressed his appreciation to the group. He said: "The Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust was established to ease the financial burden on families who suffer the sudden loss of a loved one abroad, by helping bring them home with dignity and compassion."
Collie added: "We are extremely thankful to the members of the Over 30s Social Club for their kindness and generosity. Their willingness to take on such a challenge to support families they may never meet is deeply appreciated and truly reflects the spirit of community."
Three Ways' Over 30s Social Club has been commended for combining fundraising, community connection and charitable giving, demonstrating how small, locally led initiatives can make a meaningful and lasting impact.
