Cash for Kids benefits to the tune of £8,000

Cash for Kids benefits to the tune of £8,000

29 June 2016

THE Ulster Bank in Killyleagh has helped raise almost £8,000 for the Cash for Kids charity.

A series of events were held including a charity coffee morning in Killyleagh Castle, a visit to a number of pubs in the Newcastle area to collect donations from patrons and the annual ladies charity cinema night held in Downpatrick. In addition, primary schools in Killyleagh and Downpatrick did their bit, raising funds via non-uniform days.

Bank official, Donna Cochrane, who came up with the idea for the coffee morning, explained that as a private residence owned by the Rowan-Hamilton family, the town’s castle is not a place many have the honour of seeing inside, which added to the event’s attraction.

“After hearing about the very worthy cause, the Rowan-Hamilton family very kindly agreed to the idea and the ball was rolling,” she continued. “With the help of many local businesses, residents and family members, the day was a huge success. Everything from the ballot tickets to the coffee cups were generously donated, with the event attracting people of all ages.

“It was an event where community spirit was ever-present, with Henry Hippo getting the party started with the morning ending on a high with everyone dancing to New York, New York, performed by local musician Sam Murray. The castle had an enchanting atmosphere and the fundraiser was enjoyed by everyone who attended.”

Later that evening, Donna and Killyleagh branch manager Ashlene Rodgers, along with friends and family and Henry Hippo,, organised a visit to a number of pubs in Newcastle to collect money for the charity which helps children with cancer.

“We attended Quinn’s, O’Hare’s, The Anchor Bar and the Maghera Inn with buckets in hand and dressed in Cash For Kids tee-shirts. The whole day was a great success and the combined total raised was £1,552. Ashlene and I also organised non-uniform days at local schools in Downpatrick and Killyleagh and after a visit from Henry Hippo, the children raised £300 in just one morning,” said Donna.

The grand finale was the annual ladies-only charity cinema night held last Wednesday in Downpatrick. Now in its sixth year, numbers have continued to increase by an average of 30 each year.

Donna added: “This year, we rounded up a whopping 190 ladies, stepping out in glitz and glamour to get together to support this great charity. The glamorous function room at Murphy’s Bar in Downpatrick was adorned with the Cash for Kids charity’s green and pink colours an with everyone in high spirits, the raffle prizes were claimed. Accompanied by Henrietta Hippo, it was then off to the Eclipse Cinema for a private screening of the chick flick Mother’s Day.”

Donna added: “Eclipse Cinema literally rolled out the red carpet upon our arrival and the night wouldn’t have been the same without the beautifully dressed venues and the support of the local community. 

“The grand total for all combined charity events was an impressive £7,951.30. Myself and Ashlene and all the staff at the Ulster Bank in Killyleagh would like to thank everyone who took part in the various fundraisers and hope the total raised will make a difference to local children in need of help.”