Voluntary and community sector at heart of NI life - Hain

Secretary of State Peter Hain has praised the role played by businesses across Northern Ireland in supporting the community and voluntary sectors.

He was speaking at the 19th NICVA Link Awards in Belfast to acknowledge the support received from businesses that has ensured that the voluntary and community sector remain at the heart of day to day life in Northern Ireland.

“These awards recognise the support given by businesses across Northern Ireland to the voluntary and community sector in so many practical ways – through advice, financial support, gifts and day to day guidance," Mr Hain said. "This link is vital in giving organisations working in local communities the ability to deliver excellent services while developing their potential to ensure that they remain at the heart of life across Northern Ireland."

The Secretary of State also acknowledged the corporate responsibility and leadership given by businesses by working in partnership with the voluntary and community sector. He continued: “Tonight is about recognising and celebrating the valuable contribution made by businesses and the beneficial partnerships they have developed with local voluntary and community groups.

“All the organisations nominated here tonight have shown leadership and corporate responsibility by providing a wide range of help from finance to ideas.

“Northern Ireland is a small place and despite the history of deep division I have found people here share a genuine sense of care and concern for each other. These Awards help celebrate that civic spirit and I look forward to seeing them grow in the coming years.”

NICVA is the key regional umbrella organisation for the voluntary and community sector, with over 1,000 member organisations, and it provides a range of services and advocacy on behalf of over 4,000 other voluntary and community sector groups and organisations in Northern Ireland.

(MB/SP)