NEWS RELEASE
Monday 2nd October 2006
FAO News Editor
New Foundations for Peace
Board of the International Fund for Ireland to provide financial assistance up to £1million towards the redevelopment of the Corrymeela Residential Centre in Ballycastle, Co. Down
Leader David Stevens said, “This generous grant is a much appreciated show of support from the International Fund for Ireland and marks an important next step in Corrymeela’s major capital build and refurbishment appeal. This purpose built accommodation will allow people of all ages and from all communities to come together to work, socialise and build new friendships in a safe and healthy environment. We are grateful for this crucial support given by the Fund to underpin our work to encourage mutual understanding while promoting recognition of, and respect for, cultural diversity.”
Thanks to the funding received from the Fund, Corrymeela will now be able to meet the needs of more people using the Ballycastle resources, irrespective of disability, exclusion or experience of marginalization, currently 6,000 people participate in Corrymeela programmes every year. Corrymeela’s fundraising campaign to raise the remaining funds required to rebuild and refurbish the complex at Ballycastle is well underway, with the aim of raising £3.5 million by 2008.
Kate Pettis Chairperson of the Corrymeela Council said “The Corrymeela experience over the last forty years has proven that understanding and trust develop both through doing things together and making people feel welcome as well as sharing stories and listening to each other. All of these good things flourish in the Corrymeela Centre in Ballycastle and we all look forward to the next forty years with enthusiasm.”
For further information on, or to show your support for Corrymeela’s Campaign – New Foundations For Peace please contact Corrymeela House, 8 Upper Crescent, Belfast BT7 1NT Tel 028 9050 8080 www.corrymeela.org
Ends
For more information, please contact Fundraising Director Jo Watson on 020 9050 8080 (day), 07866824889
(mobile), 02891 274 671 (evening), jowatson@corrymeela.org (e-mail).
Photographs are available
Notes for Editors
Corrymeela is an ecumenical community of people committed to reconciliation and peace-building through the healing of social, religious and political divisions in Northern Ireland. Our residential centre on the North Coast of Antrim has been a safe space for meeting, encounter and dialogue for thousands of families, school children, youth groups, churches and community groups for the last forty years. In addition Corrymeela has hosted numerous conferences with participants that are local, national and international.
Corrymeela – a few facts and figures
Founded in 1965 by Rev Ray Davey, now over 7,000 people participate in Corrymeela programmes every year
16+ volunteers live and work at the Corrymeela Centre(s) for one year from September to August each year. Corrymeela has welcomed many International and local volunteers over the last forty years. Over 400 part-time volunteers also support Corrymeela work – giving a weekend, a few days or a few hours every month.
David Stevens – Leader, Kate Pettis – Chair of Corrymeela Council,
Jo Watson – Fundraising Director, Ronnie Millar – Centre Director.