A DERRY based charity has begun a new funding partnership with a face mask manufacturing firm with all profits going to charity.
Children in Crossfire said it hoped its link with Limavady company Paragon Health would help people take a “positive” from the darkness of coronavirus.
Through the new initiative, proceeds from specially produced Personal Protection Equipment will be donated to Children in Crossfire to further its development work.
Proceeds of any purchase of Paragon’s “bespoke-branded disposable masks” ordered through the charity's website will go directly to it. Paragon Health will also cover all production and postage costs.
Profits will go to help vulnerable children in communities in Ethiopia and Tanzania.
Children in Crossfire was established by Richard Moore, who was himself a child victim of violence. The Derry man was blinded when he was struck by a rubber bullet as a ten-year-old in 1972.
Mr Moore described the new partnership as an innovative fundraising idea.
“It is also an apt fit, given the focus on healthcare in our international programme work. Covid-19 has reminded us all of the importance of water, sanitation and hygiene,” he said.
Established in Limavady earlier this year, Paragon Health set out to “turn the negative of Covid-19 into a positive”, according to company director, Martin Tierney. He said the firm was set up to control the spread of coronavirus and also help the local economy.
He said he was delighted to link up with Children in Crossfire.
“We wanted to support a charity that means a great deal to us. I have long admired the work under Richard Moore’s leadership. They have been making a direct impact on children’s lives for nearly 25 years and we are pleased to be partnering with them now.”
You can buy a mask by visitng https://www.childrenincrossfire.org/facemasks/
