On Tuesday 3rd December 2013, Armand Gaillard and the members of Stage Aid donated £3,500 to charity. The Salvation Army and the St. Vincent de Paul Society, (Lurgan Branches) received £500.00 each. The representative from each of these organsiations spoke about the tremendous need at this time of year and how glad they were to receive the donations. Both groups work hard to help relieve the pressure on needy families throughout the year and are totally dependent on the donations from local people. Both these organisations work together at Christmas time and collect toys for children and supply hampers to needy famiies. Like all charitable organisations, they couldn't survive without the wonderful volunteers.

 The Salvation Army received £500.00

 The St. Vincent de Paul Society received £500.00

 The Welcome Centre in Belfast received £500.00. This is a 'Drop-In' centre based near the Peace Line in Belfast and welcomes on average 100 people per day. The centre started as a soup kitchen and now opens its doors from 8.00am until 10.00pm - the need is so great.  They are unique in that they don't charge and everyone is welcome 'as they are' - those with alcohol and drug dependency and the homeless. Members go out into the street to bring in the homeless. While they receive aid from the Government, it is the volunteers who are the backbone of the organisation. The spokesperson for the Welcome centre certainly gave everyone a lot to think about and also spoke about the 'new poor' - those who have lost everything due to the current recession, including, in some cases, their families and their homes 


 

Trócaire received £2000.00 and this money will go directly to the Phillipines. As with all Trócaire donations, no administration costs are taken from donations. 
The spokesperson from Trócaire spoke about the immediate and long-term needs in the Phillipines and the need to take the climate change into account when they begin to rebuild. 

Congratulations to Armand and all the members of Stage Aid who, since 1985 have been donating all their profits to worthy causes. We can all go and enjoy their wonderful shows but it is through their hard work and dedication, under the direction of Armand that so many people's lives have changed for the better. WELL DONE STAGE AID.