Its members consist entirely of both current and retired Northern Bank employees. However the Group, which has been granted Charity Status, operates entirely independently of the bank.

To date, the Charity Group has paid out in excess of £590,000 to a wide range of charity projects across Northern Ireland.

Members pay into a fund monthly through the Give As You Earn scheme. An elected committee man-ages the fund by considering requests for donations as well as actively seeking out worthy causes to support. There are no overheads so all money received is used for charitable purposes.

Here are just a few examples of our donations:-

• Fermanagh Voluntary Association for the Disabled – funded the cost of a tutor and assistant trainers in computer literacy
• Lough Neagh Rescue - donated towards the cost of replacement engines for the organisation’s rescue craft
• NI Attention Deficit & Hyperactivity Disorder Support Centre (Belfast) - contributed towards the cost of a behaviour management programme
• Ashfield Riding for the Disabled Group (Larne) - funded the purchase of a horse
• Southern Area Hospice Services (Newry) - assisted with the cost of producing fund-raising packs
• Muckamore Abbey Hospital - contributed towards the cost of outdoor seating