James Hagan, Chair and Founder of Hagan Homes, has donated £40,000 to Age NI but is urging other firms to help him boost much-needed resources during challenging period.

James Hagan, the man behind one of Northern Ireland’s largest homebuilding firms, is calling on his business peers to support charities who are facing their own crisis during the Covid-19 outbreak.

The Ballyclare-based business, which has built over 4,000 homes province wide over its 30-year history, began its initiative to support charities serving those in need after discovering many were operating on deficits of tens of thousands of pounds following the cancellation of dozens of their planned fundraising activities.

The businessman has been working with two NI charities – Age NI and Cash for Kids – to help them throughout the current period of uncertainty.

Age NI will be working with older people’s networks across Northern Ireland to provide emotional and practical support, food supplies, activity ideas and more during the pandemic.

James Hagan said:

“There are countless charities out there who have been serving vulnerable people in the community for many years, even decades but today they too face a crisis in sourcing funds to continue that support. “This has come about through the cancellation of many scheduled fundraising events on which they heavily rely, so I am urging my business peers to help them continue their exemplary work which is needed now more than ever.”

 

Welcoming the announcement Linda Robinson, Chief Executive, Age NI said:

 

“Age NI is very grateful to Mr Hagan for his profound generosity at this worrying time for our community. Older people are particularly at risk during these challenging times, given that many, around 80,000, are living alone. Charities like ourselves need to work differently, working from our homes, supporting older people in new ways, maintaining vital care services and linking in with community groups and volunteers, many who are older themselves. 

 

“Age NI is committed to being here for those vulnerable older people who need support, practical or emotional and funding support like this helps us to continue to do this. Just yesterday, we had a caller who was living with a terminal illness who was totally isolated and really anxious about his prognosis. The gentleman was reassured by the fact that Age NI continues to be in regular contact telling us ‘while I am home alone, I am not alone, it’s great to know you are here for me’.”

 

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