We have donated £20,000 to Ballyclare Rugby Football Club allowing the sports organisation to install a lift in its clubhouse.
Prior to the generous donation, the club’s bar and function rooms on its first floor were inaccessible to those with restricted mobility.
Hagan Homes Founder and Chairman, James Hagan, has always had a strong association with the club. James played rugby at the club for many years and also helped coach mini rugby there. His happy memories of the club prompted the businessman to support the facility during today’s challenging climate.
Speaking about the decision to donate £20,000, Mr Hagan said: “As a homebuilder we understand the value of community and how it can enrich our lives. The same rule applies when it comes to community facilities. Sports clubs and other social resources are the heart of local communities. They provide the social outlet we as humans need to live a full life and they’re also a hub for creating strong friendships and teaching youths about working together, team spirit and valuable life lessons.
“We know at first hand the value Ballyclare Rugby Football Club brings to our community. A club like Ballyclare RFC, is a place where children, parents, grandparents and wider family members can come together and share in an experience and to do that the facility needs to be as accessible as possible to ensure all generations can be part of the club’s story.
“It’s not easy keeping clubs going nowadays, and they need all the help they can get. We are delighted to be able support the club by helping fund the installation of a lift and we will be closely following the progress of the team when games resume.”
Chairman of Ballyclare Rugby Football Club Aran Blackbourne, said:
“The Club were delighted when James offered to donate the funding to install a lift for people with restricted mobility. It simply wouldn’t have happened without his generosity and the finished job is superb and really enhances our facilities. Ballyclare RFC prides itself on being an inclusive club, so being able to offer access to all means that our newly refurbished upstairs function room can now be accessed by the whole community and we look forward to seeing the lift in regular use soon.”
The donation is not the first of Hagan Home’s charitable endeavours this year. The company, which has built over 4,000 homes across Northern Ireland since it was established over 30 years ago and has committed to building a further 2000 new homes over the next 10 years, has donated in excess of £500,000 to its charity partners over the last three years alone.
“We do all we can to put the heart into local communities, whether that's reviving once-vibrant neighbourhoods through new developments or supporting local charities that make a lasting difference to the lives of families around Northern Ireland, giving back is part of our makeup.” said Mr Hagan.
