Peadar Molloy and Mark Gallagher of Clonown Community Limited (centre), with Michael McGlone and John Doyle of West-Midlands Credit Union, at its recent community support fund presentation ceremony.

Athlone groups to benefit from credit union’s support fund

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West-Midlands Credit Union announced the recipients of its community support fund at a special presentation ceremony held on Monday, March 23, in the Ard Rí Hotel, Tuam.

A number of Athlone-area groups were in attendance at the event. A total of 149 community groups from across the common bond of West-Midlands Credit Union have been awarded funding to support a wide range of initiatives and projects within their communities.

West-Midlands Credit Union said the primary objective of the community support fund was to foster the development and implementation of impactful projects that benefit members and the wider community served by West-Midlands Credit Union.

It added that the fund supports a diverse range of groups including the arts, charities, schools, sports clubs, and community groups, all of whom play a vital role in enhancing community life.

Demand for support was considerable, and the Credit Union was overwhelmed with the level of applications received. The community support fund committee reviewed all 149 applications and awarded funding in a manner that sought to support as many worthy causes as possible from the monies available.

Speaking at the presentation, Michael Ryan, Chair of the Board of West-Midlands Credit Union, said: "We are delighted to support 149 community groups through our community support fund.

These organisations are at the heart of our communities, providing essential services, fostering inclusion, and strengthening local connections. "As a member-owned co-operative, we are deeply committed to giving back and supporting initiatives that make a real and lasting difference."

Also speaking at the event, Peter Fallon, chair of the community support fund committee, commented: "The demand for the community support fund highlights the incredible work being carried out across our communities. While the fund was oversubscribed, the committee endeavoured to ensure that as many groups as possible received support. We are proud to assist a wide variety of organisations that continue to make a meaningful impact locally."

West-Midlands Credit Union was officially launched last year, having been established through the merger of St Jarlath’s Credit Union in Tuam with Athlone & Castlerea Credit Union.

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