It’s Good News Friday as this week we celebrate a fantastic collaboration between two Chamber members, Allstate and HURT, with the IT company volunteering to transform the community organisation’s outdoor area!

As Northern Ireland’s largest IT company, Allstate undertake a range of community projects in the North West. When contacted by HURT, a drop-in centre offering support services for addiction recovery and family support, regarding their outdoor areas, the team were determined to get started and transform the outside space ahead of the summer months.

Presented with the ‘before’ pictures, the company’s team gathered the materials and equipment required to give a new lease of life to HURT’s space. Over the course of one working day, the Allstate team introduced new beautiful flower arrangements, coloured flower boxes, and a new set of table and chairs that the charity’s clients can now take advantage of.

Leanne Doherty, Business Development and Social Enterprise Manager at the centre, was incredibly impressed by the work ethic and spirit shown by the Allstate team. “It was great to see employees out volunteering here again after a tough couple of years”, Leanne said. “We have not had any teams visit our premises since restrictions eased, and it was uplifting to see many smiling faces in the middle of painting or lifting heavy loads during the construction work.”

HURT, which celebrated its 20th anniversary last year, has been a lifeline to those struggling to break the shackles of addiction in the North West. The charity’s Centre Manager, Dessie Kyle, paid tribute to the Allstate team for their work. “Thank you to Corra, Peter, Kylie, Dervla, James, Kathleen, and Louise. You are indeed a credit to your company and yourselves. With your kindness you have made a brilliant impact on HURT and the whole team.”