WineFlair’s funds will go to the Northern Ireland Children to Lapland and Days to Remember Trust’s drive to support those living with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions
WineFlair, the Northern Ireland off-licence chain, has raised £18,737.58 for the Northern Ireland Children to Lapland and Days to Remember Trust (NICLT).
WineFlair combined charity collection buckets and staff initiatives across their 58 stores during the Covid-19 pandemic to raise the impressive funds, adding to the tens of thousands of pounds the company has contributed to the charity since it became NICLT’s first ever Corporate Partner in 2008. WineFlair have continued to be an advocate of the charity’s work by raising funds and supporting events.
Northern Ireland’s Children to Lapland and Days to Remember Trust fundraises to fulfil the dreams of terminally ill, life limited and deserving children by taking them to visit Santa at his home in Lapland, Finland to create magical memories that their families can treasure forever.
The work of the charity has been impacted by the restrictions of the Covid pandemic, but through the continued support of its charity partners, NICLT was still able to impact the lives of those it serves. This included door-step Christmas gift deliveries and the donation of sensory equipment to hospital units.
WineFlair Retail Operations Manager, Lynda Mullan, joined the fundraising committee in late 2019 with an aim to continue the legacy of the charity’s late founder, Carrick man, Jack Rodgers MBE. She said:
‘We are delighted to have been able to continue our support this amazing charity throughout the past few difficult years. So many families across Northern Ireland will benefit from the support that Northern Ireland Children to Lapland and Days to Remember Trust have provided to the paediatric units.”
At any given time in Northern Ireland there are approximately 1500 children suffering from a terminal or life limiting illness. Nominated by their health workers, over 100 children make NICLT’s journey to Lapland annually, accompanied by doctors, nurses and allied health professionals who volunteer to ensure the children can have these incredible memories. To date NICLT has given 1100 very special local children that experience.
Colin Barkley, Chair, NICLT said:
“We cannot express our gratitude enough for the huge amount of money WineFlair has raised over the past two years. It’s an immense figure that adds to years of support from the company and means so much to us during what has been a particularly challenging time.
“When the charity was set up over 14 years ago our then Chair, Jack Rodgers sent thousands of appeal letters to businesses across Northern Ireland. Lynda contacted us straight away and contributed to Wineflair becoming our first Corporate Partner and continues to be a huge support and figure in the charity.
We also want to thank WineFlair customers for taking our charity into their hearts and donating funds in store and supporting the staff on their own charitable pursuits at a time when everyone faced challenges. We are delighted to have team WineFlair on our side.”
Andrea Carson, WineFlair Managing Director, was delighted to present the £18,737.58 on behalf of the company. She said:
“We are so proud of our staff and customers who gave generously during this time. It is a testament to the great work of this charity how they have adapted and continued to provide support for children and their families, despite being unable to undertake the normal trip to Lapland.”
The Northern Ireland Children to Lapland and Days to Remember Trust does not receive any government or national funding. It is totally reliant on donations.
For further information on NICLT, or to make a donation to the charity, please visit www.nichildrentolapland.com
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