Two of Northern Irelands leading hospitality suppliers have announced the start of a new charity partnership, which will benefit local families affected by cancer in Northern Ireland.
Bunzl Rafferty and Bunzl McLaughlin, whose joint offices are based in Armagh, supply a range of hospitality products to a wide range of customers across Ireland.
Pledging their support for Cancer Fund for Children, the businesses are looking forward to getting involved in a range of fundraising events and activities to help raise vital funds to support children with cancer in Northern Ireland, and their families.
Support from Bunzl will enable Cancer Fund for Children to continue supporting families through cancer so they don’t have to face it alone.
For example, funds raised will enable the charity’s team of Specialists to provide a range of practical, therapeutic and financial support to families affected by cancer, as well as free therapeutic short breaks at the charity’s short break centre, Daisy Lodge.
Explaining their reasons for supporting Cancer Fund for Children, Alan Blaney, General Manager, Bunzl Rafferty, said: “Staff from Bunzl recently attended an Open Day at Cancer Fund for Children’s short break centre Daisy Lodge.
“We got to see and hear first-hand how families benefitted from the support on offer when they were going through such an awful time – this was both humbling and heartwarming. We were joined by two colleagues who had recovered from two forms of cancer themselves, and this just underlined further our decision to support this worthwhile cause.
“Now as a charity partner we will provide direct funds, take part in events and provide assistance for a great project right on our doorstep. To kick start our involvement we were delighted to take part in the Belfast City Marathon recently, and will also take on the charity’s Slieve Donard Climb on Sunday, May 27. We are looking forward to the challenge!”
Matthew Allen, Cancer Fund for Children’s Corporate Fundraiser added: “We are absolutely delighted that Bunzl have selected us as their charity partner.
“As a local charity, we receive less than 0.5% of our funding from the government, so really rely on the support of local businesses like this to help fund our vital services for children with cancer.
“It’s great to see how passionate they are about our services, and how enthusiastic and committed they are to doing whatever they can to support the charity. I’m really looking forward to working with the team over the next year, and wish them all the best of luck with their fundraising.”
Every week in Northern Ireland, three families get the devastating news their child has cancer.
Cancer Fund for Children understands the devastating impact a cancer diagnosis and treatment can have on the whole family and that beyond the essential clinical care there is a family life that needs to be rebuilt at home and in the community.
Their team of experienced specialists help families cope with the impact cancer has on their lives, supporting them through life during and after treatment and, in some cases, bereavement.
To find out more about the work of Cancer Fund for Children, go to www.cancerfundforchildren.com
