Fisher Foundation supports Rally Safety Initiatives
Now its sixth year, The Fisher Foundation has announced the Rally Safety Awards to organisations focussed on enhancing safety in the sport of rallying in Ireland. Grants totalling approximately £6,000 have been awarded to 2 organisations in N. Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Over £150,000 has now been awarded by the Foundation since it was first established.
The Awards were confirmed by Mr Ivan Fisher, on behalf of the Fisher Foundation, "On behalf of everyone involved in the Foundations work, I am pleased to announce this year we have made 2 awards to clubs based in Mayo and Antrim. Both clubs are making a very important contribution to rally safety and rally safety issues, and these awards will assist them in this work. The Trustees are once again delighted with the interest in the awards. The awards include assisting the Mayo District Motor Club to purchase extraction equipment for loose circuit events and training for a group of volunteers".
The Awards are greatly appreciated as outlined by John Duffy from the Mayo and District Motor Club. "It really is a terrific boost for our Club and we are honoured to be recognised by the good work of the Fisher Foundation. The generous contribution to the Club will enable a number of our members to proceed with the planned development of this safety initiative, including the purchase of equipment and training in its use".
Bill Evans who is overseeing the implementation of the project on behalf of the Mayo club was particularly pleased with the recognition due to its attachment to the Fisher Family. "This funding will play an important part in the ongoing upgrade of the extraction equipment carried. We are aiming to get our act together with the most modern methods and equipment in order to improve the safety of Irish Motorsport, with a particular emphasis in this area. This award will help to kick-start our initiative".
Another award recipient, Andy Tolland on behalf of the Mid Antrim Motor Club was also pleased to receive the award "It's great that our work is recognised by the Foundation and we this award will help us achieve our objectives of improving safety standards."
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Fisher Foundation Young Driver Award for 2008 Announced!
The 6th annual recipient of the Fisher Foundation Young Driver Safety Award has been announced, the winner this year is Martin McCormack from Draperstown. The Fisher Foundation award is valued at £7,500 and is a real boost for the coming year for Martin and comes as an excellent early birthday present for young driver who turns 22 next week.
Martin clearly has a lot of potential, with his efforts and performances over the last twelve months especially in the historic rally events. The award was presented by Gladys Fisher at the Tarmac Rally Organisers Association Championship Awards in Belfast.
'We are delighted to present Martin with the Fisher Foundation Young Driver Award, he has great ability, this combined with his enthusiasm and plans for next year really impressed the trustees outlined Ivan Fisher from the Fisher Foundation.
"Once again it was a very difficult decision, we were tremendously impressed with the quality and interest from the candidates short listed for the award", explained Austin Frazer Chairman of the interview panel, "Martins commitment, his plans for 2008, and the energy he brings was a winning combination".
The Young Driver Safety Award is valued at over £7,500 and covers travel costs, accommodation and training costs for Martin.
Martin was overjoyed to hear he had been successful "I feel extremely honoured that the Fisher Foundation has awarded me the Young Driver Award for 2008, to be presented with this award means a great deal and will help me immensely as I prepare for 2008".
This announcement brings to over £160,000 the figure awarded by the Fisher Foundation since it was established six years ago. Awards have been made in two areas - motor sport safety initiatives and voluntary work overseas.
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FISHER FOUNDATION SUPPPORTS VOLUNTARY WORK OVERSEAS THIS SUMMER
The Fisher Foundation has handed out grants totalling over £15,000 to support eight organisations work this year. As part of this work the Foundation is supporting people from throughout Fermanagh to participate in volunteering in projects located in a number of countries including Ethiopa, France,and Kenya. The awards were handed out at an awards event in Fermanagh House attended by many of those travelling overseas, along with representatives from the various charities receiving support and representatives from the Fisher Foundation and the Fermanagh Trust.
Eight organisations received awards including The Church Missionary Society, The Leprosy Mission NI, Trocaire, Leprosy Mission Ireland, Operation Rescue, Youth with a Mission, UFM Worldwide, Ballinamallard Youth - Kenya Mission 2007.
Ernie Fisher, Chairman of the Fisher Foundation, who presented the grants, outlined his delight at this years awards. 'Once again this year we are delighted the Foundation has received excellent applications from so many organisations, and we are able to support such a range of excellent work. It was most encouraging to hear of the efforts so many people are making in giving their time and support to so many needy projects across the world'.
'We have heard how the Foundations support of £15,000 this year will support 8 organisations work involving many people from in and around Fermanagh, and will make a major contribution to work in 8 countries. It is a privilege for the Fisher Foundation to be able to support these efforts".
Ernie congratulated all of the award recipients and wished all the projects every success in the coming year. Ernie also thanked the members of the Foundation especially Rev Paul Hoey and Fr Brian D'arcy who played a leading role in the overseas awards on behalf of the Foundation. Ernie also thanked the Fermanagh Trust for managing and administrating the Foundation.
£150,000 has been given out by the Foundation since it was established and began giving out grants in 2003, the Foundation continues to support Voluntary work overseas and the development of Motor Sport Safety Initiatives, further information on the awards can be received by contacting The Fermanagh Trust.
Pictured at the Fisher Foundation Awards are L-R, Austin Frazer - Fisher Foundation, Colin Ferguson - Leprosy Mission NI, Ken Gibson - Leprosy Mission RoI, Gladys Fisher.
Pictured at the Fisher Foundation Awards are back L-R, Ernie Fisher - Chairman Fisher Foundation, Rev Paul Hoey - Fisher Foundation.
front L-R, Helen Murphy - Youth with a Mission, Elaine Grimsley - UFM Worldwide, Kate Doherty - Operation Rescue.
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