Community Charity Fund Helps Children’s Cancer Fundraiser

Community members have helped to raise money for a community organisation that was set up by two parents from Belfast after their 10-year-old daughter died from cancer.

£750 was donated through the union’s Regional Charity Fund – an initiative that helps branches enrich their local communities through access to funding.

Community member Paula Chambers, who works for Mitie Care & Custody in Northern Ireland, applied for funding to support the company’s annual family fun day, an event which often raises money for local families whose children are going through cancer treatment.

This year, the fun day raised money for Powered by Poppy, a fundraising group which was set up by parents Sharon and Mark in memory of their daughter Poppy Ogle, who died from cancer in May 2022.

In total, Mitie Care & Custody was able to raise £2000 (inclusive of the £750 donated by Community) to Powered by Poppy, and £500 to the children’s teams at Ards Rangers, which supports youth grassroots football.

While she was being treated for cancer, Poppy made bracelets and sold them to help raise money for treats for the children in the oncology wards in the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast.

Supported by her parents, she also started a welfare cabinet for parents, with essential toiletries and even special breakfast treats for staff.

Poppy raised thousands of pounds and after she died her mum and dad decided to continue her legacy, visiting the hospital every Saturday with treats for the patients, families and staff.

Community member Paula Chambers said:

“The reason why we chose this fundraising group is obviously because the work they do is so admirable, but we are assured that every single penny is spent on what it’s raised for. There are no admin costs, no CEOs just a little family doing their best to keep their daughter’s legacy alive.

“In particular, Community Union’s generous donation, will be spent on food vouchers for families with children undergoing treatment to spend on Christmas, groceries etc. This will be coordinated with the social work teams connected to families.

“A lot of these parents suffer unexpected hardships as they have to stop working to support and be with their child in hospital, so every penny donated is so welcome.”

Community believes that trade unions have a role in local communities as well as in the workplace. What happens at home and in your community impacts your working life and vice-versa. That’s why we have the Regional Charity Fund.