Ballylumford-based Premier Power has delivered a big wedge of funding for local groups in Larne and its surrounding communities as it announced the beneficiaries of the Premier Power Community Fund 2009.
Three local groups, the Larne Disabled Fitness Club, Larne Community Care Centre and Larne Harbour Senior Citizens Club have received a combined total of £7,500 as part of Premier Power’s annual Community Fund which is now into its fourth year. All groups were welcome to apply and this year there was a particular focus on community-based groups who could demonstrate that the grant would improve the quality of life for older people in particular.
Larne Disabled Fitness Club will spend their £2,500 to purchase new equipment for their community gym. As well as serving the needs of Larne’s disabled community the facility with its supportive atmosphere supports older people as they keep active.
Larne Community Care Centre are using the grant to fund their 'Good Morning Larne' programme. Operating two mornings each week this initiative sees volunteers telephone vulnerable senior citizens to check how they are. They also provide a range of other services including home accident prevention assessments, access to benefits, advice on warm home schemes and door to door transport.
Larne Harbour Senior Citizens Club received an award to help their work tackling social isolation. Each week the club brings together people from Larne’s older community in a relaxed and comfortable setting for a cup of tea and a chat, not forgetting their highlight of the year, the Christmas lunch.
Barbara Stevenson, Premier Power’s Communications manager said:
“Premier Power is once again delighted to support our local community and help another set of groups deliver services that make a real difference to peoples’ lives in Larne and the surrounding areas.
“We are always impressed with the number of applicants to the Community Fund and indeed it is a measure of the great work that local charities and voluntary groups do in the heart of our community. Plans are already in place for Community Fund 2010 and I would encourage all those groups who may not have been successful on this occasion to apply when we officially launch next summer.”
Receiving a grant on behalf Larne Disabled Fitness Club, Chairman and Mayor of Larne Cllr Bobby McKee thanked Premier Power, “This funding will be a welcome boost for our club as we upgrade our facilities and equipment and I know that the other recipients will put the money towards excellent projects. I know the Fund is just one aspect of Premier Power’s contribution to the Larne community and they should be congratulated on their proactive approach to good corporate citizenship.”
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