Vineyard Compassion’s work with food banks, emergency housing and counselling gets much needed boost.
North-coast-based charity Vineyard Compassion has been awarded a £1000 grant from Power NI as part of the Brighter Communities initiative.
Established as a charity in 2012, Vineyard Compassion aims to alleviate poverty in Coleraine and surrounding areas by providing practical support for the poor in the local community.
Motivated by compassion for the most vulnerable in society Vineyard Compassion deliver a host of services for those in need including food banks, emergency housing and counselling.
In 2020 alone Vineyard Compassion provided 19,835 emergency meals, produced 33,275 bags of ‘Link Logs’ and through help from the CAP debt centre, 16 families became debt free.
Welcoming the funding, Vineyard Compassion Chief Executive Ricky Wright said: “Over the years Vineyard Compassion has helped thousands living below the breadline through our many services. We go where we need to be at the right time, to ensure our services are available to those most in need.
“Whether it be seeing a friendly face at our café or availing of our emergency housing, we’re so proud of everything we do, and want to continue making a difference in Coleraine and beyond. This funding allows us to keep providing crucial support in the Causeway Coast and Glens borough.
“Our mission is to provide practical, emotional and financial assistance to those most vulnerable in our society. Poverty in the Causeway Coast and Glens borough is higher than the Northern Ireland average and we’re on the path to tackle the underlying root causes. It’s through this funding, and the dedication from our extraordinary volunteers who go above and beyond, that we can continue to do this.”
Power NI first introduced the Brighter Communities initiative in April 2018 and since its establishment the funding has helped a range of groups and clubs including stroke recovery groups, early years groups and Special Olympics athletes.
Ashleigh O’Neill from Power NI congratulated Vineyard Compassion for their award: “The work that the Vineyard Compassion do is outstanding, and I’m elated that Power NI’s Brighter Community fund can be a part of it. The continuing impact of the pandemic means the services Vineyard Compassion provides are so important, to keep helping to those in need during such uncertain times. The whole team at Vineyard Compassion are a true inspiration and this funding is a recognition of their dedication to the community.”
