HF Northern Ireland partners with insurers to support homelessness charity.
- Funds are redirected from lodgement payments to Belfast Homeless Services.
- Insurers including First Central and Hastings Direct participate in the initiative.
- Matthew Fitzpatrick inspired by the contrasting wealth and poverty in Belfast.
- Belfast Homeless Services praises the generosity of HF and its partners.
HF Northern Ireland, a prominent legal adviser, has launched a fundraising initiative in collaboration with its insurer clients to support Belfast Homeless Services, a charity dedicated to addressing homelessness in Northern Ireland. Instead of reclaiming small amounts from interest incurred on lodgement payments, HF and a cohort of its clients, including First Central, Hastings Direct, and C&S Associates, opted to redirect these funds to the charity. This innovative approach ensures that funds which might otherwise remain unutilised in bureaucratic processes contribute directly to addressing a pressing social issue.
Matthew Fitzpatrick, Head of HF Northern Ireland, shared how a visitor’s observation of Belfast’s dramatic contrasts catalysed this initiative. The visitor noted the juxtaposition of the city’s modern developments with the distressing sight of homeless individuals. “This was the catalyst for me to talk with a number of our clients and I’m so humbled by their fantastic response,” he reflected. Fitzpatrick hopes this donation marks the beginning of ongoing support for the charity.
The response from Belfast Homeless Services was heartfelt, with Liz Rocks, a representative of the charity, expressing deep gratitude for the donations received. “We would be unable to complete this work without the kindness and generosity of people like yourselves. Your generosity has touched our hearts,” she acknowledged, underscoring the tangible difference such contributions make in their operations.
This initiative exemplifies how collaboration between legal sectors and charities can make a meaningful impact on social issues.
