ENERGY giant SSE is releasing the £120,000 remainder of its annual `Community Fund' to support relief efforts for vulnerable people during the coronavirus pandemic.
SSE Airtricity and SSE Renewables, owners of Slieve Kirk Wind Park in Derry, distributed £50,000 last month to community projects to help with food, medicine and essential goods - including essential PPE - deliveries.
Chairman Mark Ennis said it was "a significant contribution towards tackling an ongoing crisis".
"The way local groups, voluntary organisations and sports clubs across counties Tyrone and Derry have stepped up to the challenges posed by the coronavirus crisis is inspirational and we want to do our part as well," he said.
Eunan Rafferty from St Matthew's GAA, Drumsurn, which provides Meals-on-Wheels to isolated families said they had been "delighted and grateful" for the cash boost to their efforts.
The "accelerated cash support" will be channelled to community groups "mobilising a rapid response to support those most-in-need".
There will also be funding for projects to "help rebuild the community in the longer term", with priority going to those which missed out in the last tranche of support - although those who have already received support can re-apply.
Thirty-two groups working close to Slieve Kirk were allocated financial assistance, with support including delivery of food for vulnerable families, technology for children home-schooling, the provision of mindfulness and exercise programmes, and the production of PPE equipment for local care home residents and staff.
Groups wishing to apply for funding can download application forms from ireland.sse.com/SlieveKirk, emailing communityfundireland@sse.com or calling Community Development Officer Michelle Donnelly on 079 21099663
