Founders of the Niamh Louise Foundation were recently invited to a reception at the Palace Demesne in Armagh by the former Mayor of Armagh City and District Thomas O Hanlon who had chosen the charity as his nominated charity of the year during his term of office.
Along with members of Gateway Club Keady, His eminence Cardinal Sean Brady, Councillor Gerard Mallon and many well wishers, Councillor O’ Hanlon presented each Charity with the tremendous sum of £4000. This generous donation was raised from very well organised fund raising events throughout 2009 and 2010.
After the presentation, all was served a sumptuous meal. In a small address from Thomas, he reiterated the good work of both charities and hoped there would be continued support for both of them as both were supplying vital help to many vulnerable people. In a similar address from Cardinal Sean Brady, he congratulated the foresight of the former Mayor in his selection process and wished the two charities well for the future. On behalf of the charity James Mc Bennett described the delight of receiving such a large donation from the former Mayor and thanked him for his efforts on the funding side but also in his attendance at many events and creating so much awareness surrounding the much stigmatised subject of suicide, self harm and mental health. He outlined how with the help of SOAR funding and this donation, a research project is due to commence in the New Year which will identify the needs of rural dwellers in the greater Armagh area in relation to suicide and self harm prevention, emotional well being . He emphasised that there will be a tremendous legacy left by this project because of this financial support, which will be able to direct many organisations who work in this field. The evening finished with a presentation to Cardinal Brady and a small address by Councillor Gerard Mallon.
The Trustees, management, staff and volunteers of the Niamh Louise foundation would like to thank Councillor O Hanlon immensely for his help and continued ongoing support in ensuring the most vulnerable in society are supported. We also wish him well in his duties within the council and political life.
There are two Ceremony of Lights events this year. These special events are to remember all those in our community who have died by suicide. The first of these events will take place in Armagh City Hotel on Wednesday 8th December at 7.30pm. This event is funded by Proteus NI Ltd. On Wednesday 15th December a similar event will take place in the Glenavon House Hotel, Cookstown at 7.30pm.
The Charity is also pleased to announce that after a very successful AGM, the following were elected. Chairperson-Mr John Mooney, Secretary-Sharon Cunningham and Treasurer Teresa Mc Kenna. We would like to thank former Chairperson Sheila Kelly and her husband Brian for their hard work over the years and wish them well.