Donnelly Group, Northern Ireland’s largest family-owned motor retailer, has announced Macmillan Cancer Support as its charity partner of the year.

The announcement comes as the Group launches details of its Donnelly Foundation, a new initiative that, in addition to the charity partnership, will see local groups and projects benefit from financial support from the Donnelly Group, and more than 6,100 employee volunteer hours spent in the local community.

Almost 800 employees across the Group’s nine locations were tasked with selecting the charity partner of the year, and having received an overwhelming majority of votes, Macmillan Cancer Support reigned victorious.

Donnelly Foundation spokesperson, Roisin Donnelly, said:

“The Donnelly Group has supported the local community for more than 70 years and this new initiative allows us to extend our support to new individuals, causes and organisations right across Northern Ireland.

“Employees across our nine locations have always been extremely committed to getting involved and are keener than ever to really give back to the communities we work in. In response to that we are granting an additional day of annual leave for every employee to take part in volunteering activities. This is a significant investment of more than 6,100 hours from which our local communities and our charity partner will benefit.

“We’re thrilled to have Macmillan Cancer Support on board as our very first charity partner of the year following an incredible response from our employees. It is a cause very close to many of our hearts and we’re looking forward to raising huge amounts of money that will directly help those living with cancer in Northern Ireland, and of course their families.”

Macmillan Cancer Support is a UK based charity with a team of supporters, professionals, volunteers, and campaigners providing a range of support and care options to people living with cancer in Northern Ireland.

Joanne Young from Macmillan Cancer Support said:

“Approximately 30 people are diagnosed with cancer every day in Northern Ireland and this partnership with the Donnelly Group will help us to continue delivering care and providing support to those in need within our local communities.

“Here in Northern Ireland, Macmillan Cancer Support provides physical, financial and emotional support to cancer patients and their families right across the province.

“On behalf of the organisation and all those who benefit from our services, I would like to say a huge thank you to the employees of the Donnelly Group for selecting Macmillan Cancer Support as their chosen charity partner of the year.

“We’re now working closely with the Foundation team and the Donnelly Group employees as they get stuck in to our jampacked calendar of events and fundraising initiatives.”

In addition to the charity partner of the year initiative, Donnelly Group will be providing financial support to groups, projects and clubs through the Foundation.

Projects that promote environmental awareness, physical and mental wellbeing, education and skills development will be able to apply for financial support from the Donnelly Foundation later this year.

For further information about the Donnelly Foundation and the support it can provide for the local community, please visit: www.donnellygroup.co.uk/foundation