iCare, part of Tarasis Enterprises Foundation Division, is teaming up with local businesses to give families in the Armagh area a helping hand this summer.
As the cost-of-living crisis continues to bite, the new ‘Our Community Cares’ campaign will provide vouchers for local shops to cover food and electricity costs as families face financial pressures during the school holidays.
The campaign, backed by Tarasis Enterprises, Bunzl, Linwoods Health Foods and McShane Packaging, will also provide school uniform vouchers for families in need ahead of the new school term.
Janine Smalls, co-founder of iCare, said the new campaign is a direct follow on from the charity’s successful work at Christmas. Caroline Rafferty, Managing Director of Tarasis Enterprises and iCare co-founder suggested reaching out to other businesses to offer the opportunity to support the campaign”.
She said: “With the support of local schools and churches we successfully helped more than 200 families last Christmas. We were overwhelmed with the help that was needed right on our doorstep, and the feedback we received from individuals and schools made it all worthwhile.
“Sadly, we are aware of how the cost-of-living crisis is an ongoing issue affecting families. The need for support is still urgent and with school holidays fast approaching, we are pleased to announce the continuation of our efforts with ‘Our Community Cares’ campaign.
“Those identified through third parties would be kept completely anonymous, while individuals are welcome to reach out to us directly to apply.
“The team at iCare is delighted to have support from Bunzl, Linwoods Health Foods and McShane Packaging and hope this campaign will make a real difference this summer.”
iCare has reached out to all primary and secondary schools in Armagh city to help identify families who would benefit most from support, with vouchers due to be distributed in schools during the last fortnight of term before the school holidays.
Support through the iCare ‘Our Community Cares’ campaign will be available to people living in the Armagh area.
Mairead Mackle, CEO of Tarasis Enterprises and co-founder of iCare: “At a time when families are facing financial hardship, it’s more important than ever for communities to pull together, which is why we’re delighted to support this important campaign from iCare.
“We hope that by having other businesses on board with this initiative, it will help us reach even more families in need.
“As part of the Tarasis Enterprises family, iCare is committed to improving and changing people’s lives, and we’re confident this initiative will make a positive difference in the weeks and months ahead.”
To find out more or to apply for support, please email the team at [email protected] or call 028 375 11333.