Keeping connected with loved ones and learning F
uneral Partners’ businesses across Northern Ireland donated computer tablets to help care home residents and schoolchildren stay connected with their families and assist with their learning during the pandemic. Funeral Partners ordered the Amazon Fire 7 tablets for each of its 17 funeral homes in Northern Ireland to donate to their local communities as they saw fit for Random Acts of Kindness Day. Barbara Wilson, Senior Funeral Arranger at John Gray & Co Funeral Directors in Holywood, said: “So many people have suffered from not being able to see those closest to them, especially elderly individuals who may not be too familiar with the benefits of modern technology.” John Gray & Co chose to gift its tablet to Sir Samuel Kelly Home, a care home run by the Salvation Army which the funeral directors regularly donate food and flowers boxes to. Sharon Boyd, Manager at Sir Samuel Kelly Home,
said: “The tablet John Gray & Co donated was a really kind and thoughtful gesture which has greatly enhanced the lives of many residents at the home.” John McKibbin, Funeral Arranger at James Brown & Sons Funeral Directors, Dundonald, discovered the residential care home Aaron House was in need of technology to support its residents, so delivered the new tablet along with some flowers and biscuits on Random Acts of Kindness Day. Isabel Harper, Manager at Aaron House, said: “We were delighted to receive the Kindle tablet which is of great benefit to our residents here in Aaron House, helping them to keep in touch with their loved ones and giving them the opportunity to enjoy music, watch videos, cartoons, etc.” Other funeral homes including James Brown & Sons on Newtownards Road and Lisburn Road distributed tablets to local schools and are already making plans for Random Acts of Kindness Day 2022.
Carers at Sir Samuel Kelly Home with a new tablet donated by John Gray & Co Funeral Directors
John McKibbin, Funeral Arranger at James Brown & Sons Funeral Directors, donating a tablet to Isabel Harper, Manager at Aaron House
12 | FuneralTimes
