For over 30 years the SVP in Northern Ireland has run a centre at Clare Lodge in Newcastle, Co. Down, which has benefited thousands of people in need from all communities across Northern Ireland by providing summer breaks for countless groups of elderly people over the years.
Unfortunately, the Lodge has deteriorated as maintenance costs have grown larger in recent times. In order to avoid having to close it, the SVP Northern Ireland Region has launched a fundraising campaign with the aim of raising stg£3m. in one year. This is an ambitious target, but if successful will enable the rebuilding of Clare Lodge and development of it into a modern multi-purpose centre.
"Our plan is ambitious and we have a long way to go, but with the help of everyone in the SVP, North and South of the Border and the general public, we are confident that we can achieve our aim," says the Society's Northern Region.
The public are being offered the opportunity to 'buy a brick' for £10/£20. To offer help, phone 048 (from the Republic) 91280160 or (028) in Northern Ireland 91280160.
Also in Northern Ireland, at Magaherafelt in County Derry, a new purpose-built community centre has been opened by the St. Patrick's Conference of the Society. It will provide education classes and other facilities for community groups.