The vital work of six different charities has been boosted by the presentation skills of students from schools in Portadown, Lurgan and Tandragee.
This year’s School Charity Challenge – organised by Ulster Carpets and the John Wilson Memorial Trust – saw teams from St John the Baptist’s College, Lurgan Junior High School, Tandragee Junior High School, St Ronan’s College, Clounagh Junior High School, and Killicomaine Junior High School taking part.
Each team had to make a presentation about the work of their chosen charity and demonstrate how more funding can make a difference.
The top prize of £5,000 was shared between Lurgan Junior High School for their presentation on Action Mental Health, and St John the Baptist’s College who highlighted the work of Women’s Aid.
As part of the challenge, all of the other teams were rewarded with a donation of £1,000 for their charity Tandragee JHS for Baby Basics, St Ronan’s College for The Blossom Children’s Unit, Clounagh JHS for The Pantry and Killicomaine JHS for Rosie’s Trust.
Nick Coburn, Group CEO of Ulster Carpets and Trustee of The John Wilson Memorial Trust, said: “It is getting tougher for all charities to secure funding so this year we have increased the total prize fund.
“The concept behind the School Charity Challenge is to help students to gain a better understanding of the work done in their communities by different charities and how it makes a difference.
“All the presentations were very professional and reflected the hard work and enthusiasm of all the students. They can be proud of the fact that they have helped secure some vital funding for their chosen charity.”
Now in its fourth year, the School Charity Challenge is organised by The John Wilson Memorial Trust, which was set up in memory of the late John Wilson, son of Ulster Carpets founder, George Walter Wilson, and is dedicated to supporting local community projects.
The team from Lurgan Junior High School who were joint winners of the Charity School Challenge. Their presentation on Action Mental Health has secured £2,000 for the charity.
