Freedom of the Borough of Coleraine conferred on Society of St Vincent de Paul This prestigious honour was conferred on both ourselves and the Salvation Army in recognition of the outstanding work both organisations have done to promote voluntary aid to the poor and disadvantaged of the borough at a ceremony at Coleraine Council on Saturday 9th October 2004,
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The Mayor of Coleraine Councillor Robert McPherson presented the freedom of the scrolls to Brian O'Reilly, SVP National President and Major Rik Pears, Divisional Leader of the Salvation Army in Ireland, who each signed the the Register of Burgesses and addressed invited guests in the town hall. "The common aims and virtues of both organisations are very obvious and it is no surprise therefore that they are found working in partnership to address the needs of our community. A good example of this is the joint family appeal at Christmas sponsored by the BBC where thousands of children receive gifts to brighten what might otherwise be a very bleak Christmas Scene" - said Mayor McPherson. "It is entirely fitting therefore that the Council recognises, together these two most worthy organisations who epitomise cross-community work in the truest sense as they bring much needed help to hundreds and thousands of our citizens, without ever taking into account any boundaries of class or creed".
| Mayor of Coleraine UUP Councillor Robert McPherson |
Brian O'Reilly and Larry McArdle holding award | | NIRB members - Ray Brady, Linda Savage, Larry McArdle, Pat McKee and Fr Perry Guildea | | Donal Henry (Portstewart SVP) and Teresa Darragh (Kilrea SVP) proudly showing award | | Group of Society and Salvation Army members in Council gardens with mayor McPherson (centre) | | Councillor John Dallat SDLP (1st left) with members of Kilrea SVP and local Salvation Army officers (right) | Margaret Mullan of Kilrea SVP (right) pictured with Chris Pears of Salvation Army |
