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Generous Spirit

This year saw a marked increase in fundraised income from our campaigns and charity partnerships, as well as the generosity of the public

The initial impact of the lockdown in March-April saw many of the people we support facing immediate financial difficulties due to disruption to their benefits or the loss of employment.

In response, we quickly established a fundraising campaign centred around a new Hardship Appeal. Donations could then be used to immediately allay the difficulties being faced by some of our service users in the first weeks and months of lockdown.

As well as enabling us to offer hardship grants for fuel and food, the appeal also allowed us to provide basic everyday items needed by our frontline services, such as: • basic mobile phones and credit • foil blankets for people who are homeless • warm clothing • antibacterial cleaning equipment • sanitary products

One young man we supported told us how a severe and sharp decline in the condition of his mental health – due to financial hardship - had led to him contemplating taking his own life. A simple donation from the Hardship Appeal enabled him to buy food and enough credit to replenish his gas and electricity, and gave him renewed hope.

Altogether the appeal raised around £30,000.

Corporate Partnerships

Our corporate partners continued to provide an invaluable source of support throughout the year, both with raising Extern’s profile with their audiences and customers, as well as giving a vital boost to bringing in funds and donations through a range of activities.

Our partnership with Danske Bank (above) raised around £70,000, which was used to help purchase much-needed equipment and carry out work at our Kinahalla Youth Village in Co Down, as well as helping to boost our Covid Appeal.

Meanwhile, Ulster Rugby supported our work with a wide variety of fundraising activity, including: player and coach videos recorded in support of key calls to action for various campaigns; a Christmas Quiz (right); Easter Hampers; and promotional support for our Safe Haven Campaign.

£1,500 was raised by Steelstown Ogs GAA club in Derry who completed 100,000 solos in one week

Christmas Cheer

Our Tree of Hope Christmas campaign for 2020 received a warm response from the public, with donations received online, which were accompanied by messages of support for those who found themselves vulnerable and isolated in our community at Christmas. The appeal raised around £10,000 within the space of two months.

£3,500

was raised by staff from the Northern Regional College, who walked or ran the 79 miles it would take to walk around all of their campuses

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