THREE community groups are to receive a share of £10,000 funding to help drive change in Northern Ireland and positively impact lives.
Foodstock in west Belfast, Dramability in Downpatrick and Ballykelly Men’s Shed are the first groups to receive support from the 'Choose Now, Change Lives' fund.
Paul Doherty from Foodstock said the money would "support our ongoing work to help people in need throughout west Belfast".
"Foodstock is very much a community-led organisation who rely on the hard work and dedication of volunteers who very generously give up their time for others," he said.
"This money will assist in funding our distribution and transport of supplies throughout communities, allowing us now to reach even more people who need our support."
Groundwork NI, which works to transform lives in the UK’s most disadvantaged communities, is supporting Boost Drinks to administer the grants.
Adrian Hipkiss from Boost said:"Community groups are the life and soul of the areas we all live in - something that’s more important now than ever and will continue to be in the future.
"This also includes our support of local retailers over the last 18 years, who are the beating hearts of their communities.
"The incredible work done by Foodstock in west Belfast, Dramability in Downpatrick and Ballykelly Men’s Shed, is immeasurable and we’re very proud to be rewarding them and helping to shine a light on their excellent community service.
"The cash we have donated will ensure the vital services these groups provide to their communities will continue and we hope that the people who use them will flourish in their lives."
Cara Cash-Marley from Groundwork NI said: "We recognise the importance of these three deserving local causes which have been awarded funding through the Choose Now, Change Lives campaign.
"Our aim at Groundwork NI is to change lives and that is precisely what these projects are doing every day. It is without doubt that these groups offer a lifeline to many."
