Three clubs in Northern Ireland have made it to the final stages of the Hovis® Live GoodTM Local Challenge 2018.
They are Drama Queens from Derry-Londonderry, Upperlands Cross Community Football Club from Maghera, and Orchardville from Belfast.
The three finalists have automatically won £1,000 each, to spend on the projects they have highlighted in their application. And they will now make a short video explaining how they want to spend the £1,000 they have already won, and the additional £2,000 prize money that is to be awarded to the ultimate winner.
Voting will close on July at 8 and the ultimate winner, as voted for by the public, will be announced week ending July 13 on the website. The official rules for the promotion (including the voting rules) can be found via www.hovislivegood.com.
Julie Anderson, Education and Progression Manager at Orchardville in Belfast said the money will make a huge difference to their project, addressing a growing need in the community to improve wellbeing in a range of aspects of life, including physical and mental health, and social wellbeing.
“Orchardville supports over 250 people with a learning disability in the greater Belfast area in employment each year, and as we continue to grow, we have been able to extend our services to the areas of North Down, Bangor, Lisburn and Derry-Londonderry,” she explained.
Orchardville supports adults with learning disabilities and/or autism, Their vision is to achieve an inclusive society where equal opportunities are enjoyed by everyone.
For further information log on to www.orchardville.com or visit the Facebook page.
Julie added: “Orchardville works with a wide range of abilities, and we adapt our service to best suit the individual needs. We support our participants through all stages of their journey with us; from the initial meeting to find out what they want to achieve, to the end of their journey, whatever that may be – paid work, gaining accredited qualifications in a vocational area, or participation in social activities to develop their confidence and independence.”
Siobhan Livingstone, Treasurer of Drama Queens in Derry-Londonderry said they’re absolutely delighted to have the opportunity to develop skills and stimulate other people’s interest in the creative arts.
“Whether it is singing, dancing or writing, we have set up a group which is embarking on a journey of adventure. It is our ambition to put on a production which showcases all of these skills. Open to everyone, we have a diverse membership and are always looking for new talent. Our youngest member is 41 and our oldest is 71,” she said.
Anyone who would like to join Drama Queens, please email slivingstone2014@gmail.com or check out the Facebook page.
And Richard Mulholland, Secretary of Upperlands Football Club near Maghera said they want to create a community group that plays football, providing a mutual shared identity and develop community cohesion by putting the heart back into the community again.
“Our ‘Let’s make Upperlands Football Club Great Again!’ Campaign has caught the imagination of the local residents. Our motto ‘To foster, develop and promote community spirit’ is at the heart of our philosophy. Upperlands Football Club appreciates the encouragement and support of the community and are inspired by the increasing number of businesses supporting our cause to help make Upperlands Football Club the hub of the community again,” he said.
The secretary explained that they are currently building a new senior side for the upcoming season for men.
“We are also currently looking to develop a veteran team and the youth academy in the near future so we can inspire children to play for our team and they will be proud to wear our famous orange and black kits,” he added.
Trevor McCrum, Commercial Director, Hovis® Ireland said the judging panel, which included an independent judge, reviewed each application based on three criteria: inclusivity, community and ‘Live Good’Ness’.
“The Hovis® Live Good™ Local Challenge is about supporting communities and encouraging individuals who are making a real difference to the fabric of our society to continue to do so. We know that for a lot of groups, clubs and non-profit organisations it can be difficult to secure funding and grants. A sum of £1,000 or indeed £3,000 could make a massive difference in terms of allowing a project to be delivered. A cash injection of this level could really help and we are keen to support those groups that work hard to improve lives, often with tight resources, from all parts of the community in Northern Ireland,” he added.
For further information, please log on to hovislivegood.com.
