Big thank you from Lisburn.com

Sunflowerfest boost for Oxfam

Michael and Vanessa Magown, right, organisers of the Sunflower Fest at Tubbys Farm, Hillsborough, along with Christine McCartney, from Oxfam Ireland and David Pollock from the Belfast Guitar Centre. Absent is Sunflowerfest supporter, Alison McCreery, INUS38-OXFAM

Michael and Vanessa Magown, right, organisers of the Sunflower Fest at Tubbys Farm, Hillsborough, along with Christine McCartney, from Oxfam Ireland and David Pollock from the Belfast Guitar Centre. Absent is Sunflowerfest supporter, Alison McCreery, INUS38-OXFAM

MORE bands, more stages, more festival-goers, more volunteers and more fun than ever before. And after recently organising the biggest and best-ever Sunflowerfest, Michael and Vanessa Magowan have made a generous donation to the festival's charity partner Oxfam.

Festival organiser Vanessa Magowan said: "We are proud partners with Oxfam, donating £2 . from every weekend ticket purchased to support their crucial work in combating global poverty.

"We also had a fundraising raffle in aid of Oxfam with the main raffle prize of a guitar, generously donated by Belfast Guitar Centre. Sunflowerfest supporter Alison McCreery also donated to the raffle her own beautiful hand-made 'Tree of Life' Afghan rug.

Altogether, a fantastic total of £1,872 was raised for Oxfam's work. Half of this total will go to the aid agency's emergency and long-term development programmes in Haiti, as this is something which the festival has supported since it began in 2010."

A photo exhibition depicting Oxfam's humanitarian work in Haiti in the aftermath of the 2010 earthquake was also on display around the site over a fun-filled festival weekend.

Receiving the cheque on behalf of Oxfam Ireland, Campaigns and Advocacy Officer Christine McCartney thanked Sunflowerfest, and all those who signed up to Oxfam's Ending Poverty Starts With Women campaign, which highlights how securing women's rights is key to tackling global poverty.

"I would like to pay tribute to Vanessa and Michael for this magnificent donation to helping some of the worlds poorest people and for helping us successfully kickstart our campaigning at this year's festivals.

"Many thanks also to all those who took the time to sign up in support of Oxfam's campaign for gender justice."

Vanessa also thanked the many artists, festival-goers and volunteers who ensured everyone had the ultimate festival experience during a fabulous weekend.

Ulster Star
21/09/2012