HOLSTEIN NI RAISES £22,500 IN SUPPORT OF THREE CANCER CHARITIES
13 August 2019
Holstein Northern Ireland, the local organisation for commercial dairy farmers and pedigree breeders, has raised £22,500 for charity at its 4th Annual Open Day in Banbridge, held in April.
The money has been divided equally between three nominated beneficiaries – Friends of the Cancer Centre; Cancer Fund for Children; and CCRCB, the Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology at Queen’s.
Supported by principal sponsors Dale Farm, Fane Valley, Mason’s Animal Feeds, and Volac, the open day was hosted by the Mitchell family – Hans, George, Valerie, Nicola, Alexander and Steven – from Banbridge.
Holstein NI secretary and event organiser John Martin said: “I am pleased to confirm that this year’s Open Day raised £22,500 for our nominated charities. To date, four annual Holstein NI Open Days have realised a staggering £90,500 for various local charities.”
Club chairman Charlie Weir added: “I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the Mitchell family for hosting this year’s family Open Day, auction and BBQ.
“An immense amount of planning and hard work went on behind the scenes to make it all happen, and we are indebted to the Mitchells and their dedicated team of volunteers.
“Thanks to our principal sponsors, and the numerous trade exhibitors and visitors who supported the event. We are also grateful to the various agricultural companies and local businesses who donated items for the charity auction.
“I am delighted to present cheques for £7,500 each to three very worthy cancer charities. This money will go towards further advancements in cancer research and pioneering treatments, as well specialist support for patients and their families, and enhanced patient comfort, therapies and clinical care.”
Thanking Holstein NI, Head of Health Fundraising in the Development and Alumni Relations Office at Queen’s, Teresa Sloan, said: “On behalf of CCRCB can I say just how delighted and grateful we are with the ongoing generosity of Holstein NI and members of the local commercial dairy farmers and pedigree breeders’ community.
“Staff at CCRCB are working strenuously to understand the biology of cancer, to improve treatments and to train the next generation of clinicians and scientists.
“The £7,500 from Holstein NI will help fund local research, clinical trials and equipment at CCRCB at Queen’s. Ultimately, this research will improve outcomes and quality of life for patients here in the Northern Ireland.”
More than 1,200 visitors and 50 trade exhibitors attended the one-day event held at the end of April. Visitors had an opportunity to view the award-winning Edenordinary Herd, which features a modern dairy unit with 200 high yielding pedigree dairy cows bred from world-renowned cow families.
Holstein NI was formed on 22nd March 1999 following the amalgamation on the NI Holstein Friesian Breeders club and the NI Holstein Club.
The organisation provides a platform for members to successfully promote their herds and individual animals within, develop and improve their own farm business though information evenings and farm walks, take advantage of special offers available to club members and provide a platform to socialise with like-minded people,
Holstein NI would encourage commercial dairy farmers to join as well as pedigree breeders whilst there are opportunities for young members under the age of 26 to participate in fun and learning activities.
For more on Holstein NI visit http://www.holstein-ni.co.uk/, contact Jennifer Hunter, telephone +44 (0)28 8772 7728 or email holsteinnorthernireland@gmail.com.
To find out about supporting medical research at Queen’s visit the Development and Alumni Relations Office website or contact Teresa Sloan, Head of Health Fundraising, telephone +44 (0)28 9097 5394.
General enquiries can also be directed to Gerry Power, Communications Officer, Development and Alumni Relations Office, Queen's University Belfast or telephone: +44 (0)28 9097 5321.
Caption (L-R): Event organisers/Holstein NI members William Annett, Charlie Weir and George Mitchell are pictured with, Teresa Sloan and Professor Chris Scott, director of CCRCB.
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