James Brown & Sons is celebrating its 120th anniversary by continuing its tradition of community support.
The business has made a significant impact on local charities having donated thousands of pounds to various good causes.
In 2022 the James Brown & Sons Community Fund launched, with the aim of providing financial assistance to programmes which support vulnerable people in the local area. So far, more than £45,000 has been given to various community-focused groups.
The recipients from the latest round of funding in June included Caring Breaks, a charity supporting families and carers of people with learning disabilities, for a music therapy and relaxation scheme, Mountpottinger Presbyterian Church, which will expand its Freezer Food Mission to deliver frozen meals to those in need, The Rathfern Junior Hill Wardens, to support their nature-based sessions for autistic children aged eight to twelve and Youth Initiatives, to run EmpowerHer, a ten-week holistic wellness programme for young women aged fifteen to eighteen in East Belfast.
Other organisations awarded funding were All Saints Church, Sólás, a special needs charity, Walkway Community Association and The Annadale and Haywood Residents Association, to launch a Community Café.
James Brown, who joined the business his grandfather set up more than 60 years ago and is still actively involved today, said: “Celebrating our 120th anniversary is a moment to reflect on the impact we have had in our community.
“Since I joined the business in 1960 much has changed, but our commitment to caring for people in difficult times remains constant.
“The Community Fund, supported by Funeral Partners, enables us to help even more people. We have built meaningful relationships and witnessed firsthand the incredible work of these charities. Congratulations to the latest recipients; I look forward to seeing their projects thrive”
The business remains a true family affair. James’ daughter, Beverley, is the Community Relations and Marketing Manager for the business, and its parent company Funeral Partners. Branch Manager Andrew Neale has also been with James Brown & Sons Funeral Directors for decades, starting with the business when he was just 17. For more information about James Brown & Sons Funeral Directors, and details about how to apply for their Community Fund, visit https://www.jamesbrownfuneraldirectors.com/
