The Mayor’s nominated charities for 2011/12 are the NI Children’s Hospice, Gis a Hug Foundation and Médecins Sans Frontières.

 

Northen Ireland Children’s Hospice

Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice is a local charity providing specialist palliative care for and children, young people and their families living with life-limiting and life-threatening illnesses. As the only Children’s Hospice in Northern Ireland it cares for over 250 families annually, both at the Children’s Hospice in Newtownabbey and in their homes. Its aim is to provide quality of life for patients and to support families in every way possible.

Website: www.nihospicecare.com

 

 

Gis a Hug Foundation

The Gis A Hug Foundation is a charity set up by the families of Neil McFerran and Aaron Davidson, who tragically lost their lives to carbon monoxide poisoning in Castlerock on 3 August 2010.

 

The aims of the foundation are to:

• Educate the public generally and specific groups in particular, such as landlords, local authority staff, the police, schools and fire services, medical and legal professionals, government bodies and employees about the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Provide relief to those in need by encouraging and facilitating the installation and maintenance of carbon monoxide monitors in the homes of vulnerable people and those on low incomes.
• Advance the health of people and save the lives of some of the people in Northern Ireland by raising awareness of the importance of having a carbon monoxide monitor in every home.

Website: www.gisahugfoundation.co.uk

 

 

Médecins Sans Frontières

Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders(MSF) is an independent, medical humanitarian organisation that delivers emergency aid to people affected by armed conflict, epidemics, healthcare exclusion and natural disasters. MSF combines the provision of emergency medical care with a commitment to speaking out about the suffering people endure and the obstacles encountered in providing assistance. MSF offers assistance to people based only on need and irrespective of race, religion, gender or political affiliation. MSF was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1999.

Website: www.msf.org.uk