Over 250 pharmacies across Northern Ireland are coming together this month to help support vulnerable people on the streets of Belfast.
The pharmacies, which include members of the Ulster Chemists’ Association as well as Boots, have launched a month-long campaign of fundraising activities to raise money for SOS Bus NI.
SOS Bus NI is manned by 250 trained volunteers who offer up their free time to provide unconditional care, support and medical intervention to vulnerable people on the streets of Belfast every weekend until 3.30am. The charity works in partnership with the PSNI, Belfast City Council, Harbour Police and event organisers to create a safer city for everyone during the busy night-time economy period.
‘We are very grateful for the support of the 250 pharmacies,’ said Joe Hyland CEO of SOS N, ‘and the money raised will be spent directly on maintaining our presence on the streets of Belfast. Youngsters from all over the province converge on the city for a good time each weekend, but some of them find themselves in crisis and end up vulnerable. Our incredible volunteers provide welfare and medical support for them during the late weekend nights, ensuring they get home safe, or when necessary, to hospital.’
Throughout August the pharmacies will be implementing a range of fund raising activities from box collections, through to cake sales and raffles. It is hoped that the campaign will raise in excess of £10,000 for the charity.