Ormeau Credit Union has joined forces with businesses in South Belfast to produce a recipe book to raise money for the Welcome Organisation.
Including recipes from well-known eateries like Greens Pizza, Bia Rebel, General Merchants and Kaffe-O, the book aims to raise much needed funds for the homeless charity that provides potentially life-saving services to more than 1,400 people in Belfast every year.
One such user of the service is Erin who ended up homeless after a difficult childhood. She said, “I ended up sleeping on the streets which was terrifying. The town is a very different place at night. I am still on my journey, working through all the stuff that has troubled me since I was a child. But now I’ve got a friend on my journey and that’s the Welcome Organisation. I felt like I belonged somewhere and I wasn’t alone anymore.”
Established in Belfast city centre in 1997, the Welcome Organisation adopts a non-judgemental approach to addressing homelessness issues. All its services are based on the principles of harm reduction delivered through low-threshold services. It accepts people for ‘where they are at’ as opposed to where others think they should be.
It was particularly through its outreach work in South Belfast that prompted the Ormeau Credit Union to support the charity.
Ormeau Credit Union Operations Manager, Marie George said, “Credit Unions are known for serving the needs of the community where they are based, and this mirrored the work carried out by the Welcome Organisation in our community.
“We are delighted to donate the proceeds of the recipe book to the charity to support the excellent work it does in our catchment area. We would encourage all our members, as well as foodies and residents in South Belfast to purchase the recipe books because every penny raised will go towards the Welcome Organisation.”
The recipe book has a suggested price of £5 and can be purchased directly from Ormeau Credit Union. Proceeds will do directly towards The Welcome Organisation’s range of services for people affected by homelessness in Belfast, including their Drop-in Centre, Street Outreach services, Crisis Accommodation for Women, Floating Support service and Welcome Home furniture project. Welcome’s Street Outreach service serves the streets of South Belfast and beyond 17 hours a day – from 7am-2am. It provides on the ground support for people who are homeless. If you see someone who is homeless and in need of help you can contact the Street Outreach service on 07894931047.
Participating restaurants are:
- Bia Rebel Ramen
- Kaffe-O
- First Floor Bistro
- General Merchants
- Greens
- The Pavillion
- Shed
- Soul Food
- 387 Ormeau Road
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