AIB Group Announces Second £1m Charity Fund

The AIB Group has announced a new £1 Million Fund, designed to support charitable organisations in communities across Northern Ireland and GB.

Building on the success of its inaugural fund from last year, which supported 70 charities across Northern Ireland, England and Ireland, AIB aims to support at least the same number of charities this year.

The bank is asking its customers, employees and the wider public in Northern Ireland to nominate registered charities that connect with causes that matter most to them.

AIB Chief Sustainability & Corporate Affairs Officer Mary Whitelaw said: "We are delighted to launch the second year of the AIB Community €1m Fund to support the charitable organisations that matter most to our customers and colleagues. So many charities benefited last year, and our hope is that this funding will continue to help make a real difference to those who are working tirelessly for the benefit of their local communities and the most vulnerable in society. Today, we are asking our customers and the public in Northern Ireland and Great Britain to nominate the charities they wish to see supported by this fund.''

Over the past year AIB allocated €700,000 to charities chosen by its customers and the public while €300,000 came from charities chosen by the bank's employees. Charities in Northern Ireland who received funds in 2022 included Lyric Theatre, Downpatrick Autism as well as Action Cancer, NI Hospice and Air Ambulance.

Speaking about the impact the fund has had on its organisation, Action Cancer's Ruth Fleming, Service Development Manager said: "We are incredibly grateful to AIB for the £15,000 in funding for our acupuncture and physiotherapy services in Belfast. This will enable us to support clients through the provision of almost 400 sessions. Clients often present to us with long term pain and restrictions after cancer treatment. Our services are there are to help relieve pain and restrictions as well as providing much needed emotional support for clients."

Nuala Greer from Bangor who has used the Action Cancer therapeutic Services said: "I developed paralysis, numbness and weakness in my left leg due to a type of blood cancer. Mary, the acupuncturist at Action Cancer has been truly amazing. The treatment was tailored specifically to my needs, stimulating the nerves in my leg to build strength. I feel that my anxiety has been lessoned by attending the sessions and I'd strongly recommend this service, delivered by highly skilled professionals in the lovely, relaxing, spa-like environment of Action Cancer House."

In the UK the fund will be distributed following an online nomination process, one for customers and one for staff. The UK fund will be split across Northern Ireland and Great Britain. Entries are now open and will close Wednesday 14th June 2023 aibni.co.uk/personal-forms/community-fund.