Funds from down under for Dungannon

The director of a Dungannon based cross community project is celebrating after securing valuable funding from Australia.

The Australian Ireland Fund's CEO, Teresa Keating, paid a visit to the Speedwell Trust last summer, and following an application from the Trust for flagship funding, the Board of the Australian Ireland Fund has announced a £72,000 funds boost.

Mrs Jean Kelly, director of Speedwell Trust, was delighted as she explained, "We have had funding from the Australian Ireland Fund in the past but this time they knew how hard we are having to struggle to stay open and they really have come up trumps.

"We asked them if they would cover the costs of running one room for a whole year and they have agreed."

In addition, the Department of Education has committed £171,139 to Speedwell over the next three years. However, since it costs over £300,000 annually to run the project, the search for funds is far from over.

But Jean's optimism remains high, "This work is so valuable and the goodwill of the entire community is behind us. I just know there are other people out there who are going to help us in our efforts to keep bringing our children together."

The Speedwell Trust chief, who earlier this year was the recipient of the Harry McKillop award for her humanitarian work, also appealed to anyone with fundraising ideas, big or small, to contact the Trust.

"We are a charity working for the future of the next generation," she said, "and if there is anybody out there who can get behind us to help us secure our future. It doesn't matter how big or how small your fundraising idea may be, we will welcome all help."

If you would like to hold fundraising benefits on behalf of the Speedwell Trust, contact staff on 028 8776 7392.

For more information contact:

Eamon McClean
Speedwell Trust
speedwell.trust@btinternet.com
0288 8776 7392