Members of THE ROTARY CLUB OF BALLYMENA , NORTHERN IRELAND are organising a sponsored Virtual marathon over the weekend of 18-20 September with the aim of raising much needed funds for four local charities whose essential work has been adversely impacted by Covid 19. Each Club member has been asked to arrange a team of 7/8 people who will undertake to complete 10000 steps. Through sponsorship and other donations, Rotarians are determined to help address the shortfall in funding.
The ROTARY CLUB has identified 4 Charitable organisations in the Ballymena Area which have had their fundraising capacity significantly curtailed as result of Covid 19. The Charities are: SAMARITANS, SALVATION ARMY, St VINCENT de PAUL and TURNING POINT NI. These organisations have found that as need increases funds have decreased. Their ongoing work is essential to address significant community needs!
-SAMARITANS will be able to continue to provide a confidential listening service for those who are distressed and contemplating suicide. - The SALVATION ARMY will be in a better position to provide food and clothing to those in need in the local area -St VINCENT de PAUL will provide financial support, fuel, furniture and bedding to individuals and families in need. -TURNING POINT NI will provide a confidential support service to those with mental health issues in our town.
-The impact of the SAMARITANS is immense in our area with over 5000 calls handled since the start of the pandemic. -The SALVATION ARMY will be better placed to provide practical support at a time of increasing unemployment. -St VINCENT de PAUL will address issues arising from unemployment, poverty, social disadvantage, abuse and exploitation. -The work of TURNING POINT NI will help address the expected spike in addictive behaviours and suicide as a result of the ongoing pandemic.
