Holywood businesses and quiz-goers helped to raise over £2,200 for local charity Storehouse North Down at a recent event held at Holywood Yacht Club.  

The event was organised by volunteers Lorna Anderson and Hope Hayes and was supported by over 30 local businesses who donated vouchers and products for a charity raffle which was held on the night.

Storehouse North Down is supported by local churches, statutory and voluntary agencies, schools, community groups, businesses and individuals to fight food poverty across Bangor, North Down and beyond. The organisation provides emergency food packages for families and individuals in need. Each package provides everything that a family or individual will need for seven days.

The focus of Storehouse and its partner organisations is to provide long term solutions for those in need, not just short-term aid.

Margaret Bailie from Storehouse welcomed the donation from the quiz and raffle, saying:

"At this time of year the need for donations and support is greater than ever. On average we are receiving requests from 45 families and 180 individuals for support each week. Events like these are so important, not only for raising vital funds but also for raising awareness about the increasing need for emergency hampers for people who suddenly find themselves without a safety net following a personal crisis such as redundancy, illness or separation. 

“The generous support of Holywood businesses helped to make this event a real success, and we hope that these businesses and those attending the event will help to spread the word about Storehouse."

Collections points for donations to Storehouse include:

• Philip Petersons (beside the Newtownards Road roundabout)
• North Down YMCA
• Co-op Ballyholme, Groomsport Road
• Eurospar, Rathgael Road
• Sainsbury's, Holywood exchange
• Haven Hair (top of High Street beside Jazzberry cafe)