You make the difference

At AIB, we believe in the power of community and the positive impact that local charities have on the lives of those around us. Over the last two years, the AIB Community €1 Million Fund has supported over 150 charities chosen by our customers, employees and the wider public across Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland and Great Britain by nominating  charities that connect with causes that matter the most to them and their local communities. 
From providing essential services to supporting those in need, these organisations touch the lives of people in your area. We recently caught up with three of the charities that each received  £15,000 from the AIB Community €1 Million Fund to find out how the fund has helped boost their vital services. 

Supporting local families on their cancer journey

Cancer Focus NI is a leading local cancer charity dedicated to providing expert care and support to cancer patients and their families. The charity delivers access to world-leading, equitable cancer support, treatment, diagnosis, prevention and research. 

Rosie Forsythe and Gail Calwell from Cancer Focus NI are pictured with Paul Doyle, Branch Manager at AIB Donegall Square North. 

On a recent visit to Cancer Focus NI’s premises, Rosie Forsythe, Corporate and Community Fundraising Manager at Cancer Focus NI, explained the funding from AIB will go towards the charity’s new Therapeutic Support Centre in Enniskillen, set to open in early 2025. The new centre will deliver family support services, helping children whose parents have received a cancer diagnosis through group and one-to-one support, social activities, as well as art and play therapy. Rosie said, “Our charity helps families create priceless memories and supports children through a really difficult time alongside their peers, so that they know they are not alone in the journey. We are so touched by everyone who thought of us and nominated us for this funding. It shows just how much our efforts in the community are appreciated and acknowledged.” 

Empowering potential 

We also visited Down Right Brilliant, a charity that aims to encourage and empower children and young adults with Down Syndrome in the Newry, Mourne and Downarea, to achieve their full potential. 

Caroline Digney, Co-Chair of Down Right Brilliant, Diana Johnston, Branch Manager at AIB Newry, and Yvonne Curran, Co-Chair of Down Right Brilliant.

Down Right Brilliant will use the funding from the AIB Community Fund to deliver an inclusive, tailored summer camp specifically for children and young adults with Down Syndrome and their siblings, ensuring that there are respite opportunities for families. Co-Chair Caroline Digney said, “We’re over the moon to receive this funding, thank you to everyone who nominated us! It’s going to make such a difference and is key to maintaining and improving the services and support we offer to children and young people with Down Syndrome in the local community, as well as to their families.”  

Broadening horizons 

We also had the pleasure of visiting REACH Across, a cross-community youth organisation based in the North West of Northern Ireland. The organisation provides a range of social training, educational activities and community building experiences such as residential weekends to help young people build confidence, develop new skills and broaden their horizons in a safe and supportive environment.

With the funding, the charity will unite communities by bringing 120 young people across the North West region and East Donegal together to create cross-community contact, helping develop their skills-base, teamwork and interpersonal skills. Barry McGuigan, Project Co-ordinator of REACH Across said, “Our vision is to create a world where young people thrive, where communities unite and opportunities are created. We believe that fostering holistic growth and positive impact among young people through cross community engagement is key to this. A huge thank you to everyone who nominated REACH Across, as well as to the team at AIB for making this possible.” 

Reach Across Summer Camp visiting the Belfast Peace Line 

The entire team at AIB are incredibly grateful to everyone who took the time to nominate such inspiring charities for the AIB Community €1 Million Fund. Your support and involvement have made it possible to highlight and uplift the incredible work being done in local communities right across Northern Ireland. Thank you for joining us in this journey to  build stronger, more connected communities.

To find out more about the AIB Community €1 Million Fund and the charities it supports, please visit Charities 2024 webpage