Ian Sheppard, Managing Director NI for Bank of Ireland UK commented, “We are delighted to give this fantastic opportunity to our charity partner, Alzheimer’s Society. The Bank staff have really taken this partnership to their hearts and we are delighted that our work is not just about raising funds but also awareness and taking action. To date, over 250 bank employees in Northern Ireland have signed up as Dementia Friends through a bespoke web-based training tool we developed in partnership with the charity meaning we are better equipped to help customers and people living in our local communities. There are so many lives in Northern Ireland affected by dementia and through this initiative; we hope to continue to help this fantastic organisation in whatever ways possible.”
The two-year charity partnership between the Bank of Ireland UK and the UK’s leading dementia charity, Alzheimer’s Society, has so far seen the Bank in Northern Ireland donate upwards of £50,000 of vital funding to help deliver vital services. This will directly fund its Side by Side service which helps people with dementia to get out and about with the support of a volunteer.
Richard Gilliland, Alzheimer’s Society Northern Ireland Partnerships Senior Executive, added, “We are so grateful to Bank of Ireland for uniting with us to take action against dementia in this unique way. We want everyone affected by dementia to know that whoever you are, whatever you are going through, you can turn to Alzheimer’s Society for support, help and advice. Bank of Ireland’s fundraising will go towards our Side by Side service, that matches people with dementia with like-minded volunteers to support them to keep doing the things they love.
“We know the Bank’s staff are passionate about dementia, and that has inspired them to look for innovative ways to raise awareness and support our work, and to reach people in a way that as a charity we could never afford on our own.”
Supporters will have the opportunity to donate and support the campaign to help fund Alzheimer’s Society programmes and research. Donations can be made via text message from now until June 2018 by texting MEMORY to 70660 to donate £3.
In addition, the Bank has committed to matching funds through the campaign to the value of £30,000.
Rory Best, Ireland Rugby captain and Ulster player, said, “Bank of Ireland has been a great sponsor to Ulster Rugby for over 20 years now and I’m delighted they have chosen to give this fantastic opportunity to such a well deserving charity. So many people in Northern Ireland are affected by this condition and it’s great to see Alzheimer’s Society increase its awareness in this way.”
The Sponsor for a Day campaign is part of a Bank of Ireland Group initiative that will also see sponsorship assets for Munster and Leinster rugby teams donated to the Irish Heart Foundation for upcoming games.
To find out more about the Bank’s charity partnership with Alzheimer’s Society, visit https://www.bankofirelanduk.com. To read more about the work of Alzheimer’s Society, visit https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/ and for support or information, call the National Dementia Helpline on 0300 222 1122.
Rory Best with Richard Gilliland of the Alzheimer's Society and Ian Sheppard of Bank of Ireland
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