“Heatons – A Ray of Hope”

Worldwide support for A Ray of Hope.......... Press Release

Over many years Heatons Department Stores have assisted A Ray of Hope, UNESCO Youth Ambassador for the Culture of Peace, in its desire to support communities overseas who have little.  This assistance has come in a myriad of forms including adult and children’s clothing, sportswear and leisure equipment and a multitude of items which to us might be commonplace, but for many around the world are indeed luxuries.

A Ray of Hope began life as a peace choir gathering many accolades, and experiences, including a private audience with HH The Dalai Lama, an excellent relationship with HH Pope Jean Paul and many heads of state and prime ministers.

The organisation developed from 10 teachers and 60 children to a global family of over 400,000 members caring and being cared for. The ethos has been simple, that being, to make friends and assist when possible.

Although following the main strands of UNESCO i.e. education, science and culture, children and adults will not develop as people if they are hungry, ill or unclothed. Heatons Limited applauded this programme as an exciting way forward to promote the aims of UNESCO.

Don McBurney, director of A Ray of Hope, explained that his organization does not pay salaries, expenditure or remuneration of any kind, therefore allowing all finances and items contributed,  to go to the communities overseas, that need them so much.

“Over the last 11 years we have been afforded the opportunity to support over 1000 organizations in 62 countries with an estimated value of goods and finances of approximately $8 million – this could not have been possible without the incredible generosity of companies like Heatons Limited. I no longer look on Heatons  as a company supporting us, but as a member of A Ray of Hope who when needed, will be there to lend a helping hand.”

Don made special mention of the manager and staff of Heaton’s, Lurgan who continually become involved – “the staff are a credit to themselves and their company.”

In  the last 24 months Heatons have provided items which have helped communities and orphanages in Romania, Hungary, India, Tanzania, Bangladesh and Philippines and are currently involved with arranging for much needed supplies to be delivered to 3 continents.

Mr. John O’Neill, Managing Director of Heatons, “my organization is very proud that its gestures of support can have a lasting and meaningful impact and such a positive contribution to the lives of so many and I hope that the relationship with A Ray of Hope will continue for many years to come.”

A Ray of Hope is always delighted to make contacts with those companies wishing to assist overseas.