Cool FM’s Pete Snodden, Boost’s Simon Gray, local hero Gerard Doherty and Gareth Hardy of Hardy Distribution
The ten men and women from all over Northern Ireland were clearly overwhelmed to receive their well-deserved award, explained Francine Matthews, Brand Manager, Boost Drinks.
“Boost Drinks 2023 Always in Your Corner campaign put the people of Northern Ireland right at the heart of it. This year we have given amateur singers a leg up, we have helped local charities, given students a boost and kept the whole country going with our Iced Coffee, Energy and Sports ranges.
“The five local people and five retailers that we honoured are perfect examples of unsung heroes who are quietly doing what comes naturally to them.
“They expected nothing in return, so it was a complete pleasure to give them a night dedicated to their selfless achievements.
“This was their time to shine, and we really hope they felt the love.”
Gerard Doherty’s nominator said: “Gerard started River Radio in Derry, a not-for-profit radio station, that gives young people who might be interested in a career in the media and journalism practical experience.
“He also organises a Christmas appeal each year to ensure no local children go without a toy and he helped over 7000 local kids last year wake up with a toy.
“He organises a special day trip for over 200 people, made sure 80 families had a hot meal and organised a VIP Christmas experience for 12 special-case families who lost loved ones or are coping with serious medical conditions.
“He does all this along with other community events and I believe he is a true local hero.”
Said Gerard: “I was shocked to find out that I won this lovely award.
“There is much needed demand in my community, and I see it as my duty to help as many young people as I can via River Radio’s media platform.
“I never expected anyone to take the time to nominate me for this.
“What an amazing night it was celebrating with everyone.”
The Boost Drinks Local Heroes are Stephen Henderson from County Down who was nominated because of his selfless attitude to helping local football teams whilst caring for a sick relative. Gerard Doherty from Derry~Londonderry was honoured due to his work with River Radio and tireless fundraising for local charities including his annual Christmas appeals.
Barry McGovern from County Antrim was chosen because of his work in helping to raise awareness of issues around men’s mental health and Rachel McDougall’s work with the Suffolk Events Circle and a local food bank ensured she was a winner. Dorothy Warren, founder of TeamDot, from east Belfast, has a long history of helping others in her local community despite battling cancer herself. Each Boost Drinks Local Hero received a trophy and a £200 voucher.
Boost Drinks Local Hero, Dorothy Warren, said: “I didn’t know what to expect at the event but I am so glad I went. It was just lovely hearing about how the other winners went out of their way to help their neighbours. Boost Drinks has really helped to shine a light on some good people.”
The Boost Drinks Local Retail Heroes, who each won a slimline fridge and Boost stock, are Kearney’s in Randalstown, ViVO Essentials in Greenisland, Nearby in Kircubbin, McCreadie’s in Coleraine and The Gem in west Belfast, who were each lauded for their dedication to local charities, commitment to their customers and for going above and beyond to serve their communities.
Rosie Lennon, owner of Nearby in Kircubbin, said: “My store is located right in the heart of the community, and I love what I do. I know every customer and love to help when I can. I was very happy to receive this award and I will continue to serve my customers in the best way I can.”
The owner of McCreadie’s in Coleraine, Darren McCreadie, said: “When I found out that our store was a winner I was so shocked. To know that someone took the time to get in touch with Boost Drinks about us is very touching. We love what we do and I think when people visit our store they feel that.”
Since 2003, the Boost Drinks brand has grown from strength to strength, establishing itself as the number one selling soft drink in Northern Ireland*.
Boost was established in 2001 after founder (and MD) Simon Gray saw the opportunity to offer consumers a great quality energy drink at a fraction of the price of other brands at that time.
Two years later Boost, alongside Hardy Distribution, brought the brand to the local market, making the brand 20 years old in NI this year. Boost Drinks now owns the province’s top selling soft drink within the local independent convenience channel1.
Boost offers Energy, Sport and Iced Coffee products in various pack formats and flavours.
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