THIS year’s Irish News Ulster All-Stars will not only recognise the sporting excellence of the province’s top players, they will also contribute to three worthy charities.
For the first time in the 22-year history of the awards, there will be a link-up with Foyle Hospice, Southern Area Hospice and NI Hospice to help drive awareness of the good work they do and help with their fundraising.
Irish News readers will be at the forefront of the drive, as for every All-Star team selection that is made either from the voting form in paper or on www.irishnews.com/allstars, the Irish News will make a donation of £1.
You can also donate to support the work of NI Hospice, Foyle Hospice and Southern Area Hospice by texting ALLSTARS to 70660 plus the amount you want to donate – ALLSTARS £1 will donate £1, ALLSTARS £5 will donate £5 etc. All donations will be shared equally across the three hospices.
The Irish News will also make a donation from all ticket sales to the Irish News Ulster All-Stars and for every Irish News Ulster All-Star jersey that is sold via O’Neills to the three charities.
Irish News Marketing Manager, John Brolly explained that the decision to help out the charities was spurred on by a desire to help fight the scourge of cancer in our society, and to remember the integral contribution to the success of the awards by the late Joanne Priest.
“We are keen to help these hospices as we are aware that cancer has touched the lives of so many of our reader’s families,” he said.
“We want to play a small part in helping them provide great support for people at a very important time in their lives when they need specialist care.
“We lost a very dear colleague, Joanne Priest, at the start of the year. Joanne played such an important role in the development of our All-Stars during her 24 years at the Irish News.
“Joanne was a very warm, caring and good person and it is our small way of doing something positive in her memory. Joanne was our All-Star.”
Irish News Sports Editor Thomas Hawkins said: “I would urge everyone to please support us in this charity initiative. We all know how much great work and support these hospices give when it’s needed most.”
Deirdre Melly, Community Fundraising, Northern Ireland Hospice added: “The Irish News Ulster Allstars Awards event is a great annual occasion for readers and for the GAA community which has a wonderful track record of supporting Northern Ireland Hospice.
“Donations made by readers and the Irish News will help Northern Ireland Hospice continue to provide the highest quality palliative care in our new 18-bedded Hospice in Belfast, Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice and our patients cared for in the community.”
Donall Henderson, CEO, Foyle Hospice said: “Foyle Hospice is delighted to have been selected as one of the beneficiaries for this well established initiative run by The Irish News.
“This support and the support of readers across the community will help us to continue our work supporting patients with life limiting illnesses and their families for whom we provide holistic hospice and palliative care, as well as offering our bereavement support services.
“We would encourage the local community to offer their support by voting for their favourite team and in doing so they will also be contributing to hospice services across Northern Ireland including Foyle Hospice.”
Rosaleen Quinn, Staff Nurse, Southern Area Hospice added: “Southern Area Hospice Services are delighted to be selected by the Irish News as one of the charities benefiting from the All-Star Awards this year.
“As a hospice nurse, and part of our multidisciplinary team, I see first hand how important our holistic approach to care is, to patients and families. Our care extends from Newry and Mourne, Banbridge, Craigavon, Armagh and Dungannon and the surrounding areas.
“This year, our fundraising target is £2.42 million and we appreciate all the support we receive. I am asking you to select your All-Star team and vote to support your local Hospice.”
To vote go to www.irishnews.com/allstars
