REACH Across awarded €15,000 from the 2024 AIB Community €1 Million Fund

REACH Across announced today that it has received an award of €15,000 from the third annual AIB Community €1 Million Fund, to support its cross-community work for young people in the North West of Northern Ireland.

Over the last two years, the AIB Community €1 Million Fund has supported over 150 charities across Ireland, Northern Ireland, and Great Britain.

Earlier this year, AIB asked its customers, the wider public, and staff to again nominate registered charities, that connect with causes that matter most to them and their communities, in the AIB Community €1 Million Fund.

REACH Across is a cross-community youth organisation for 14–17-year-olds in the North West region of Northern Ireland.

It organises social training, educational activities and practical experiences such as community residentials for young people, giving them the opportunity to enhance their confidence and skills, as well as broaden their horizons in a safe environment.

The charity will be using the funding to unite communities by bringing 120 young people across the North West region and East Donegal together to create cross-community contact, helping develop their skills-base, teamwork and confidence levels.

Speaking about receipt of the award, Barney McGuigan, Project Co-ordinator of REACH Across said: “We are over the moon to receive this award from the AIB Community €1 Million Fund, it is going to make such a difference to the work we do.

“Our vision is to create a world where young people thrive, where communities unite and opportunities are created.

“We believe that fostering holistic growth and positive impact among young people through cross community engagement is key to this.

“We are so touched by everyone who thought of us and nominated us for this funding. It shows just how much our efforts in the community are appreciated and acknowledged, and a huge thank you to the team at AIB for making this possible.”

Speaking about the Fund, Linda McGinnis, Acting Manager of AIB Meadowbank Branch said: “The AIB Community Fund gives much needed support to local charities helping them continue to provide services in communities across Northern Ireland.

“It’s the third year for the AIB Community Fund and it’s amazing to see both customer and public support for nominations, this really demonstrates the importance of local charities and their contribution they make.

“I would like to thank our customers and the public for taking the time to nominate these very worthy charities.’’

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