Linda-Jane Doherty, Senior Marketing Executive at Belfast Live who led the campaign, praised the generosity of readers.
She said: “Seeing the amazing work this charity was doing on the streets of our city was an eye-opener. We knew we had to do something significant to support their fantastic work. It was an ambitious target but we were confident that the generosity of our readers would help us reach our target.
Sandra Moore, the charity’s CEO, said that the service could make a ‘life-saving difference’.
She said: “A mobile health unit is something that this city has been crying out for, for many years. The fact that Belfast Live’s Opening Eyes on Homelessness campaign has raised funds for this service is something that would have taken us years to achieve.
“We cannot thank everyone who donated enough. This service will make a massive difference to the people living on the streets.. a potentially life-saving difference.
Belfast Live Deputy Editor Nathan Hanna expressed his thanks to the readers and praised the collaborative effort from everyone involved.
He said: “We are absolutely thrilled to reach our target. Together we did it – our readers, our staff, our clients, our local businesses. We look forward to seeing the service make a difference in our city.
“Not only have we raised the £25,000 towards getting this service on the road but we have opened eyes to homelessness along the way.”
Belfast Live will continue to support the charity and raise awareness of the crisis that is happening on our streets through its editorial powers.
The new van that will be used for the medical health unit is currently being purchased by the Welcome Organisation. It will take a few months to get kitted out with essential medical equipment and be fully operational.
Zoe Hanley (Welcome Centre), Nathan Hanna (Belfast Live), Kieran Hughes (Welcome Centre) and Joanne Friel (Belfast Live) at the Welcome Centre in Townsend Street, Belfast.
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