Derry Chamber’s President’s Annual Dinner was a success in many ways, but perhaps its most significant success was the raising of crucial funding for President Greg McCann’s chosen charity, ARC Fitness. Through the generosity of our members and attendees on the night, we were able to raise a total of £4,750 for the charity based on Derry’s Bay Road.

ARC Fitness helps individuals affected by addiction recover their lives through physical activity, therapy, and community support. Its mission is to foster a society that better understands and addresses the harms of substance misuse, providing individuals and families with the support they need to rebuild.

We at the Chamber are proud to partner with ARC Fitness, supporting their vital work across Derry and the North West. At the President’s Annual Dinner, attendees heard from Gary Rutherford, ARC’s inspiring founder, a registered mental health nurse and personal trainer, who has been in recovery for 11 years.

Hearing Gary speak so passionately about his own journey and the journey he has now helped countless others on clearly inspired our members to give generously to this worthy cause. We can think of no charity more deserving of this funding and wish ARC Fitness the very best in its mission.

There was more good news among our membership this week. Congratulations to Matthew McCafferty, Assistant Bar Manager at Bishop’s Gate Hotel, and Shania Higgins, Restaurant Manager at City Hotel Derry, for winning Rising Star awards from the Northern Ireland Hotels Federation!

The Rising Stars awards celebrate young, emerging talent in the hotel and hospitality industry, recognising those who are making outstanding contributions to the sector.