For two decades, the Energy for Children Charitable Trust has been proud to provide funding support to improve the lives of disadvantaged children and young people across Northern Ireland. Established in 2005 by the NI Gas Industry, the charity has made a positive difference to the lives of more than 8,000 children and young people providing over £540,000 in funding support.
As the charity concludes its remarkable chapter, reflecting its facilitator Phoenix Energy’s renewed focus on broadening its wider charitable commitments, the Trustees are delighted to announce the final distribution of funds to three organisations whose vision strongly aligns with Energy for Children’s mission: Cancer Fund for Children, Solas, and the Patrician Youth Centre.
Cancer Fund for Children has been awarded funding to invest in a new minibus, ensuring children affected by cancer can access safe, accessible and free transport to residential short breaks. This service continues to remove barriers for families from across Northern Ireland, especially in rural and disadvantaged communities.
Funding awarded to Solas enabled them to provide a 14-week health and well-being programme for children and young people with disabilities as well as young carer siblings and adult carers. The programme engaged local social enterprises and facilitated creative learning workshops including animation, coding, and music production.
The charity was also delighted to award vital funds to Patrician Youth Centre who were subsequently able to sustain their satellite weekly youth club service in an area of high social need, delivering a diverse range of activities, sports, arts, culture and more, in a safe and secure environment.
Joanne Quinn, Chair of Energy for Children said, “Energy for Children has enjoyed an incredible 20 years, filled with memorable fundraising moments and enormous generosity from the entire gas industry. From a fantastic Strictly Come Dancing event to a staff-led music video, every effort has helped build a lasting legacy for children across Northern Ireland.
“As Phoenix Energy aligns its staff-led charitable activity with a wider range of causes, including the Air Ambulance and the Lighthouse charity, the timing felt right to proudly bring the Energy for Children chapter to a close.”
June Trimble, Trustee at Energy for Children added, “The legacy of Energy for Children is remarkable. From mobility bikes and sensory equipment to vital services and even a minibus, every project funded over the past 20 years has left a real and lasting impact. It has been one of the most fulfilling projects to work on, and I am delighted for the three charities who have received the final round of funding from Energy for Children.”
