Local volunteers carrying out work overseas receive grant awards totalling £15,000 from the Fisher Foundation

At a special presentation event in Fermanagh House, 13 organisations and their volunteers were awarded grants from the Fisher Foundation. A total of £15,000 was given out to support 23 local people and their organisations as they undertake vital work overseas this year.

 

Ernie Fisher (centre) Fisher Foundation, with from left, Bridie Duffy and Sinead Christian Trocaire, Peter Hilton Leprosy Mission and Gillian Maganda CMS Ireland

 

This year’s recipients will be involved in a range of development programmes such as assisting in orphanages, delivering food packages, youth work, building projects, community campaigns, supporting women’s development, healthcare and creative education programmes. Their endeavours will see them provide much needed support in a number of countries throughout the World including Kenya, Argentina, Rwanda, Maldives, South Africa, Romania, Bangladesh, Malawi and Myanmar.

The presentation event took place as part of Philanthropy Fortnight highlighting local philanthropy going global. The organisations and volunteers were commended by the Foundation and the Fermanagh Trust who administer the fund, for the commitment, dedication and the wide range of worthwhile, innovative projects which will all no doubt make a major contribution.

 

Kenny Fisher and Fr. Brian D'Arcy (back row) Fisher Foundation with front from left, Lucy Megaw Fermanagh Girl Guiding, Tom McGowan Ballinamallard Scout Group, Katie Thompson Ballinamallard Scout Group and Timothy Woods Gospel Mission of South America

 

Established in 2003 in memory of Bertie, Mark and Emma Fisher, the Fisher Foundation aims to make a valuable contribution to two key themes: motorsport safety initiatives and supporting local people volunteering overseas. The Foundation’s work is firmly based on Bertie and Mark’s love of rallying and safety in the sport and Emma’s commitment to voluntary work overseas by supporting those involved in these areas today. To date well over £300,000 has been distributed to support these two themes.

 

Fr. Brian D'Arcy (right) Fisher Foundation Trustee with from left, Mimi Millmore and Annie Flynn Moving Mountains Trust; Zara Palmer, Lucy McDonald, Justin McBride and Hazel Darragh, Jengana

 

Over 450 volunteers from Fermanagh have volunteered overseas with support from the Foundation towards their travel and other costs. These grants have made a significant contribution to these volunteers and their endeavours,   helping change the lives of people and communities in developing countries across the world and also contributing towards the personal development of the volunteers themselves.

Ernie Fisher, Chairman of the Fisher Foundation said, “Every year we are so impressed by the amount of volunteers and the variety of worthwhile projects they are involved with. With our overall aim of providing much needed financial resources to help those who give their time to assist projects across the world, we are delighted to be in a position to support such excellent work talking place. Yet again we see another example of Fermanagh’s rich culture of giving and volunteering to help those less fortunate. It is a privilege to be able to support the efforts of these inspiring volunteers and we wish them every success”.

 

Ivan Fisher (back centre) and Fr. Brian D'Arcy (back right) Fisher Foundation with (from left) Stephen and Maggie Muldoon, Livability and Beulah Elliott receiving on behalf of daughter Aoife, ANP Networks Romania

Closing date for applications to the Fisher Foundation is 28th February annually. For more information CLICK HERE