Portrush Raft Race will see culmination of Mayor and Deputy Mayor's RNLI fundraising

As Councillor Steven Callaghan approaches his final few weeks as Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, he has reflected on fundraising efforts for RNLI.

A charity very close to his own heart, it became clear early on that Deputy Mayor Councillor Margaret-Anne McKillop was also very keen to support the Mayor’s fundraising efforts for the charity. Both elected members have held events throughout the Borough, over the last year and are delighted with the support they have received.

The Mayor Councillor Steven Callaghan said: “I have been overwhelmed by the support and help both myself and the Deputy Mayor have received with our fundraising events for RNLI.

“Our events have ranged from sponsored walks to concerts and coffee mornings and on each occasion, we have been greatly humbled by how much the public has donated.

“As I approach my last few weeks as Mayor, I would like to thank to the RNLI local team and everyone who has helped raise funds for Mayor’s charity the RNLI whether by helping to arrange the event or by donating food for the coffee mornings, it has all been very much appreciated.

“I would particularly like to thank Councillor McKillop who has been a fantastic support to me throughout my term in office with these fundraising efforts and the many other events we have attended as Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens.”

The fundraising efforts for RNLI have raised just over £10,000 so far with coffee mornings in Limavady and Cushendall proving popular, and festive afternoon tea providing seasonal fun for all who attended. The new year opened with a February concert in Roe Valley Arts Centre and attendees were treated to a fantastic array of music and dance on the night.

The Deputy Mayor also completed a sponsored Reindeer Walk alongside many other events and is grateful for the public support, adding: “Those who know me know that the RNLI is an important charity to me, and I was eager to help the Mayor raise funds for them.

“We have both had a great deal of fun while completing our various fundraising events and are delighted to have raised just over £10k in the process. Thank you to every person who helped make our events possible.

“It has been an honour to work alongside Councillor Callaghan and I would like to thank him for what has been a fantastic term as Deputy Mayor.”

As the Mayor and Deputy Mayor get ready to hand over their roles at the upcoming annual meeting in June, they are keen to have one final push for the RNLI. The Mayor will be in attendance at the Portrush Raft Race on May 25, where a collection for RNLI will take place.

Portrush Raft Race has been raising funds for the RNLI for 40 years and is still as popular as ever. Check out their Facebook page Portrush RNLI Raft Race 2024 for full details.