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Date: 24 Jan 2024
AWARE NI, Northern Ireland’s only charity working exclusively for those with depression and bipolar disorder, has benefitted from a massive £17,774 boost following a two-year partnership with Belfast City Airport as its official Charity Partner of the Year.Founded in 1996, AWARE NI has an established network of 23 support groups across the country and delivers information outreach sessions in addition to mental health and well-being programmes for communities, schools, colleges, universities, and workplaces.
Belfast City Airport, a socially responsible business with a commitment to community, has supported AWARE NI for the past two years, raising crucial funds to sustain the charity's ongoing services.
Speaking of the partnership, Michelle Hatfield, Corporate Services Director at Belfast City Airport, said:
“When choosing our charity partner, we look for organisations that support causes aligned to our values and commitment to the local community.
“This is a cornerstone of our Corporate Responsibility strategy and so it was a privilege to work with AWARE NI, which hopes to increase understanding of depression and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health.
“Using the airport’s platform to play a part in quashing unjustified stigma towards mental health issues has been a source of great pride for all of us at Belfast City Airport, and we are thrilled that we could lend our support to such a worthy cause.”
During the partnership, Belfast City Airport employees were involved in various fundraising events including coffee mornings, terminal collections and bake sales.
Staff also took part in the successful fundraising day, ‘AWARE Everywhere’, whereby staff wore yellow AWARE NI t-shirts and mental health champions took time to speak to passengers in a relaxed and compassionate way about mental health.
One of the biggest fundraising efforts was the Airport’s involvement in the Belfast City Marathon, in which 17 members of staff walked, jogged, or ran a leg of the relay event and several staff members ran the full 26.2 miles.
Lisa Abell-Farrelly, Corporate Partnership Officer of AWARE NI, said:
“The past two years of working with Belfast City Airport have been nothing short of incredible for AWARE NI.
“As our name suggests, spreading awareness and reducing the stigma around mental health issues is a core aspect of our mission and the partnership with Belfast City Airport has allowed us to share this key message with a huge audience.
“In addition, the fundraising achievements over the past 24 months have been outstanding and the £17,774 raised will make a significant difference, directly impacting the communities and individuals that we support.
“We would like to thank all those at Belfast City Airport who have played their part, donated, and raised awareness during this meaningful partnership.”
Find out more about Belfast City Airport’s Corporate Responsibility at belfastcityairport.com
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