Little Treasures Playgroup wins Social Enterprise of the Year Award

Little Treasures’ Playgroup has won the Fermanagh Trust sponsored Social Enterprise of the Year Award 2015 as part of the Fermanagh Herald Business Awards.

Adult ADHD NI, Cancer Connect NI and Kindertee Community Playgroup were also highly commended for the social and economic contribution they make to life in County Fermanagh.

The sponsoring of this prestigious award highlights the Fermanagh Trust’s commitment to supporting and celebrating organisations that exist to address social need. 

Little Treasures Playgroup will now receive a grant from the Fermanagh Trust towards it’s work. Located in a purpose built facility in the centre of Kinawley, Little Treasures is a cross-community initiative providing pre-school education for 3-4 year olds. Recently celebrating their 25th anniversary, the playgroup has had a very successful period with high numbers availing of the service and the establishment of an excellent working relationship with local primary schools, opening up new lines of communication and schemes.

  

Speaking during the gala awards ceremony which took place at the Manor House Hotel, Little Treasures’ Playgroup leader Anna McKenna said “We are thrilled to have won this award, thanks to everyone who voted for us and to the Fermanagh Trust for sponsoring. It is great to have received such a positive response from across the county and we are so delighted our hard work has been recognised. We’re very flattered but extremely grateful for the support. Well done to also to those other organisations shortlisted, it’s fantastic to see such a high standard of rural enterprises.”

Runner up Adult ADHD NI is a community interest company offering one to one support for adults and family members affected by ADHD. They empower individuals to gain education, find and maintain employment; they also offer volunteer opportunities and support people to have a positive impact within the community.

Also shortlisted were Cancer Connect NI who provide a range of crucial services for individuals bereft of cancer. They are totally dependent on generating new income streams through donations from across the community. The charity has expanded from running initiative fundraising events and activities to now generating income via holding fundraising auctions etc.

The final organisation shortlisted Kindertee Community Playgroup, based in Derrylin, has over 30 years experience in caring for children. Feedback from users is very positive as the enterprise prepares children to progress into primary school level. Morning and afternoon sessions are run to cater for demand – providing a valuable service to the rural community and a positive learning environment for children, as well as helping to develop community relations.

     

Lauri McCusker, Director of the Fermanagh Trust said “Congratulations to Little Treasures’ Playgroup. They are worthy winners, with a great team who provide a vital service and we wish them every success with their future work. Well done also to those other shortlisted organisations, it’s great to see their success being highlighted and either would have been a worthy winner. We will continue to recognise Fermanagh’s social enterprises which make a difference, which inspire and motivate and whose work makes a fantastic contribution to the community.”

CLICK HERE to read the Fermanagh Trust’s report on social enterprises in Fermanagh, launched in December 2012 highlighting the huge contribution these organisations make to life in the county. Little Treasures’ Playgroup is an excellent standard bearer for social enterprises in Fermanagh 2015.

 

Photographs courtesy of the Fermanagh Herald