Funds that would have been used for staff Christmas celebrations will instead to be donated to Crosscare in Dublin and three foodbanks located close to the companies Power NI operational sites in South Belfast, Omagh and Antrim.

Pictured Above: Gary Ryan at Crosscare

The energy supplier will donate €4,525 on behalf of its staff in the Republic of Ireland to support Crosscare’s essential relief food services in Dublin while Power NI will donate £17,000 on behalf of its staff to be split between the South Belfast Foodbank, Omagh Foodbank and Antrim Foodbank.

Gary Ryan, Managing Director, Energia Customer Solutions commented; “We supply energy to communities all over Ireland and as such believe that we have a role to play in supporting those that might be vulnerable or experiencing difficulty. These challenges are not limited to the holiday season however the Christmas period can prove particularly difficult, especially this year with the impact of COVID-19. Our colleagues at Energia are delighted to be able to support the Crosscare team and valuable work of the organisation.”

Pictured Above: Ian Thom at a local Foodbank service

Ian Thom, Energia Group CEO commented; “Foodbanks play an integral role in supporting communities and we are delighted that we can assist these organisations. We are committed to the communities that we serve, and our staff are central to these efforts. I would take the opportunity to recognise the efforts of the Power NI team who have worked tirelessly since the outbreak of the pandemic earlier this year to support and donate to worthy causes.”

Crosscare is the Social Support Agency of the Catholic Archdiocese of Dublin. Crosscare’s work includes interventions in the areas of homelessness, food and community needs and work with young people. The organisation, which runs community cafes and food banks in Dublin, works with those who have complex needs, experience a high degree of social isolation, and find it difficult to access appropriate services and support.

The Foodbanks in Northern Ireland are a vital service to the communities they serve, providing nutritionally balanced food and support to people all year round. This Christmas contribution is part of the broader Power NI commitment to the communities it serves, and the power supplier has donated more than £50,000 to groups and causes throughout COVID-19 via its Covid Community Response Fund & Brighter Communities Fund.