Hats off to businesses who join ranks to support charitable catwalk fundraiser

By Eleanor McGillie

BUSINESSES in Armagh are leading by example by stepping up to the plate to sponsor a charity event which lost out on funding this year.

Homecare Independent Living, Gaffney’s Shoes and Philip White Tyres have joined forces to sponsor the 600 seated fashion show at the Armagh City Hotel on Thursday in a move which will help charities raise vital funds to support people suffering with disease.

Earlier this year, Cancer Research UK revealed that 25 people in Northern Ireland are diagnosed with cancer every day equating to around 8,700 cases per year.

The ‘Falling For Fashion’ autumnal catwalk event raises money to support the Southern Area Hospice Services and Marie Curie Cancer Care.

Mairead Mackle, chief executive of Homecare Independent Living, said: “We are all aware of budget cuts which means events, like this one, may lose out on vital funding. Corporate social responsibility is at the core of everything we do, and, as part of our Community Engagement Strategy, we are delighted to continue to play a role in helping people living in our local communities.

“We all know someone who either has or has had cancer. The statistics are frightening so we are urging people to come out in force and help the Southern Area Hospice Services and Marie Curie Cancer Care fund their vital work.”

The Southern Area Hospice Services, which cares for 1,000 patients annually, provides free of charge care to people living in the Southern Health Trust Area. Services include an Inpatient Unit, Day Hospice Units in Newry and Dungannon, Outpatient Clinics in Newry, Dungannon and Craigavon, a Palliative Care Team in Daisy Hill and Craigavon Area Hospitals, a Homecare Nurse in Armagh / Dungannon Districts, Bereavement Support Services and The Donaldson Counselling & Therapy Centre.

Leanne Redmond, a spokesperson for the charity, said: “Our fundraising department has to raise £2.3million in 2014 to maintain the level of care which is currently available. This equates to £191,666 per month, £44,230 per week or £6,301 per day.

“Southern Area Hospice Services relies heavily on the generosity of local people and the support of a network of over 300 volunteers who help our staff deliver our services in many different ways – from patient care to fundraising.”

Rosaleen Campbell, manager of Gaffney’s Shoes, who is also sponsoring the event, said: “It is a big dread for everyone. Marie Curie Cancer Care needs to raise more than £3 million per year to fund its hospice and nursing care in Northern Ireland. These figures are staggering but in order for these charities to continue providing the care they do, the reality is this money needs to be raised.”

Philip White, of Philip White Tyres, said: “People in the Southern Trust Area are so good at supporting events. I am urging people to come out on Thursday night and enjoy a night of fashion and music.”

Tickets for the event cost £10 and are available from sponsors, on the night or from participating retailers or by ringing 028 3752 2824.

ENDS

Notes To Editor:

• Homecare Independent Living is a national leader in homecare provision offering services to clients enabling them to live independently. Services include domiciliary care, peripatetic and floating support services, nursing and continuing care services and housing services. Homecare Independent Living employs 1,200 people and has offices in Armagh, Belfast, Magherafelt, Ballymena, Sligo, Dundalk and Dublin.
• For further information contact Eleanor McGillie of MGMPR Ltd on 028 3756 9569 | 07709805379 | mgmpr.co.uk | Public Relations UK | Public Relations Northern Ireland | Brand Journalism Experts | Brand Journalism UK | Brand Journalism Northern Ireland | Healthcare PR