The Ulster Region of the children’s charity Wooden Spoon is aiming to hit a fundraising milestone with its ‘Million Pound Lunch’ this June.
The children’s charity of rugby, which has supported more than 40 projects across Northern Ireland since the formation of the Ulster Region in 1995, will host the special lunch at the Culloden Estate and Spa with expectations of the Ulster Region hitting £1 million in funds raised since the charity’s launch.
Wooden Spoon supports organisations that assist physically, mentally and socially disadvantaged children and young people. Projects that have benefitted from Wooden Spoon’s support include the NI Cancer Fund for Children in Newcastle, Co Down, as well as Mencap in Newtownbreda, Torbank School in Dundonald, the Cedar Foundation in Derry / Londonderry and the Orana Children and Family Centre in Newry.
Members of the 1974 British and Irish Lions team known as the “Invincibles”, including Willie John McBride CBE, Sir Gareth Edwards, Sir Ian McGeechan and Mike Gibson, will be Guests of Honour at the June event, as they celebrate the 50th anniversary of their unbeaten tour of South Africa.
Ulster Wooden Spoon Chairman Peter Wood said: “We’re delighted to announce our ‘Million Pound Lunch’ in June, when we expect to hit an historic fundraising milestone for the charity. With the support of the community across Northern Ireland, Wooden Spoon have been able to support many wonderful organisations over the years, and as we head towards the one million pound mark we’re looking forward to carrying on this important work into the future.”
Willie John McBride, who has been President of the Ulster Region since 1995, said: “The one million pound mark is a very special milestone for the charity, and to reach this stage in the same year as we mark 50 years since our historic Lions tour of South Africa makes it even more remarkable.
“I’ve been involved with the charity for many years, and in that time we’ve helped impact positively on the lives of a great many children. Wooden Spoon is an organisation I’m very proud to be involved with. To see the joy on the faces of the children we help is a very heartwarming experience. Having played rugby at the highest level, I feel it’s important to try and improve the lives of others who have not had the opportunities that we’ve had.”