Almac Group has today announced the organisation will donate to NI Hospice, Action for Children NI, and Age NI, as part of a £250,000 total contribution being made to 33 charities globally to support their critical work in the wake of COVID-19.
Recognising that charitable organisations rely on significant donations typically received via monthly events and fundraising, and that those efforts have ceased as a result of the pandemic, Almac launched a localised employee survey effort to determine regional charitable beneficiaries of a quarter of a million total contribution.
Each of Almac’s 5,600 employees across 11 main facilities located in the U.K., Europe, Asia and North America were given the opportunity to select charities, and in total, 33 organisations will receive a donation in direct response to Almac’s employee feedback.
NI Hospice, Action for Children NI, and Age NI were chosen directly by Almac employees in Northern Ireland, due to the crucial role each one plays in supporting the needs of the community.
Northern Ireland Hospice Chief Executive, Heather Weir, said: “We are incredibly honoured to have received this donation from Almac.
The Covid-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on our income for 2020 with the cancellation of fundraising events, and the temporary closure of our 26 Hospice Shops across Northern Ireland.
This donation comes at a crucial time for Northern Ireland Hospice, and we are extremely grateful to Almac and its employees for choosing Hospice as a beneficiary of their support and generosity.”
Cheryl Brown, Fundraising Manager at Action for Children, said: “Before Coronavirus hit Northern Ireland many children were locked in poverty.Now, vulnerable children and their families have reached breaking point.
“Action for Children, with help from local business donations like this, are reaching those families that are struggling and who are worried about their future.
“Our services work on the frontline supporting children, young people and their families through our Family Hubs, Young Carers, Mental Health Programmes, Fostering and Supported Accommodation for young people facing homelessness.”
As a result of the global pandemic, the donations will replace this year’s Almac Family Fun events, which are held annually to bring together employees and their families.
Community giving is always a crucial part of the Fun Day tradition—last year, Almac’s Fun Day in Northern Ireland included a donation drive for Air Ambulance Northern Ireland.
Alan Armstrong, Group CEO, commented: “As a global organisation, Almac’s mission is to advance human health, and we recognise that this extends to supporting the health and wellbeing of our local communities, especially during a global pandemic.
“In response, we are honoured to support 33 organisations, chosen by our employees, which support the health and welfare of our neighbours in each of our corporate locations, and we are proud to give back during this unprecedented time.”
The global organisation is also partnering with a variety of global pharmaceutical, biotech and research institutions to support over 80 separate crucial research projects into COVID-19 treatment options.
“These vital projects cover a range of different areas including vaccines and various potential treatments for symptoms and the effects of this disease.
Find out more https://www.almacgroup.com/almac-is-proud-to-support-multiple-programs-to-accelerate-covid-19-treatment
