Planning on doing voluntary work overseas? Bursaries available from the Fisher Foundation

Grants for voluntary work overseas are available from the Fisher Foundation. Much needed financial resources are provided to help organisations and volunteers who give their time to assist so many projects across the world, supporting a wide range of innovative projects which no doubt make major contributions.

 

 

Established in 2003 in memory of Bertie, Mark and Emma Fisher, the Fisher Foundation aims to make a valuable contribution to two key themes: motorsport safety initiatives and supporting local people volunteering overseas. The Foundation’s work is firmly based on Bertie and Mark’s love of rallying and safety in the sport and Emma’s commitment to voluntary work overseas by supporting those involved in these areas today. To date well over £300,000 has been distributed to support these two themes.

Over the years nearly 500 volunteers from Fermanagh have volunteered overseas with support from the Foundation towards their travel and other costs. These grants have made a significant contribution to these volunteers and their endeavours,  helping change the lives of people and communities in developing countries across the world and also contributing towards the personal development of the volunteers themselves.

One recent bursary recipient was Ruth McKane from Kesh who travelled to the Gambia, West Africa before Christmas. “I had a wonderful time meeting friends who I’ve met through my charity work there and also met lots of new people. We distributed many 50kg bags of rice to families, gave financial help to families in emergency situations, financial support to The Gambia Horse & Donkey Trust, SOS Children’s Village, a baby walker for a 2-year-old boy who can’t walk or talk, supported widows & orphans, etc.  We distributed 23 boxes of clothing, shoes, toys, etc to our sponsored children’s families. We have 14 children sponsored (school fees), 1 teenager sponsored (college fees) and twin baby girls with a possible 3 more.  Also, a huge thank you to The Fisher Foundation for their generous award which funded my flight & accommodation costs, it was such a great help to me as there are quite a lot of costs involved.” Ruth plans to travel back to Gambia later in the year.

 

  

Ernie Fisher, Chairman of the Fisher Foundation said, “We’re very much looking forward to supporting even more organisations and individuals in their voluntary work overseas. With our overall aim of providing much needed financial resources to help those who give their time to assist projects across the world, we are delighted to be in a position to support such excellent work taking place. Yet again we see another example of Fermanagh’s rich culture of giving and volunteering to help those less fortunate.”

Closing date for applications 28th February 2023. For more info or to apply CLICK HERE / E: gemma@fermanaghtrust.org / Tel: 028 66 320 210.