Choice Housing raises thousands for Women’s Aid and Dementia NI and reveals 2025 charity partners

Pictured (L-R) Graham Woods, Choice Fundraising Committee Chair; Nicole Black, Tiny Life; Kerry Whitehouse, Community Rescue Service Belfast District; Marcia McMath, Choice Fundraising Committee Treasurer

One of Northern Ireland’s leading social housing providers has raised over £6,500 for two local charities and confirmed its new charitable partners for 2025.

Choice Housing has announced Community Rescue Service (CRS) and TinyLife as its Charities of the Year for 2025, following a staff-wide vote. The decision comes on the heels of a successful year of fundraising in 2024, which saw the organisation’s employees collectively raise £6,500 for Women’s Aid and Dementia Northern Ireland.

The two newly selected charities—CRS and TinyLife—will benefit from a full calendar of events and fundraising initiatives throughout the year, aimed at raising vital funds and awareness.

Staff-Driven Charity Selection

Speaking on behalf of the Choice Fundraising Committee, Graham Woods welcomed the newly selected organisations, stating:

“We are all thrilled to welcome Tiny Life and Community Rescue Service as our chosen charities. Both organisations play a vital role in supporting families and communities right across Northern Ireland, and we are proud to partner with them.

“We look forward to working together to raise all-important funds and public awareness for these two incredible and worthwhile causes, and making a positive impact throughout the year.”

Life-Saving Services and Lifelong Support

Founded by Sean McCarry OBE, the Community Rescue Service is Northern Ireland’s leading charitable search and rescue organisation. It operates six units across all eleven council areas, providing essential services that help reunite vulnerable missing individuals with their loved ones.

Kerry Whitehouse, a long-time volunteer with CRS’s Belfast District, emphasised the importance of external support for their work.

“Community Rescue Service is an incredible organisation – it is driven by dedicated volunteers who selflessly give their time to help locate missing loved ones across the province,” she said.

“Our work is only possible thanks to the generosity of businesses and the public. We are truly grateful to Choice Housing for supporting Community Rescue Service and helping us continue to make a difference in our communities.”

Meanwhile, TinyLife—formerly the Northern Ireland Mother and Baby Appeal (NIMBA)—is dedicated to reducing premature birth and improving outcomes for vulnerable babies. The charity also funds crucial medical research and delivers hands-on family support services across the region.

Joanne Morgan, Chief Executive Officer of TinyLife, welcomed the partnership.

“TinyLife would like to extend our sincere thanks to Choice Housing for choosing us as one of their Charities of the Year. Every year, almost 2,000 babies spend time in a neonatal unit, and the support we offer families is a real lifeline when they are feeling at their most vulnerable.

“Every penny donated by Choice Housing will go toward ensuring we can continue to provide these much-needed services and support.”

2024: Supporting Women and Dementia Awareness

In 2024, Choice Housing’s staff-driven fundraising efforts supported two highly impactful organisations: Women’s Aid and Dementia Northern Ireland.

Women’s Aid is a voluntary organisation that delivers critical services for women and children affected by domestic and sexual violence, while Dementia NI advocates for people living with dementia and promotes innovative services and awareness across the region.

Graham Woods praised staff contributions, stating:

“This is a fantastic amount which will hopefully help both organisations continue to provide vital services in their respective sectors, and it is all down to the help, generosity, and support shown by Choice staff throughout the year. Well done!”

Continuing a Legacy of Social Impact

With Community Rescue Service and TinyLife now confirmed as Choice Housing’s 2025 charity partners, the organisation continues to demonstrate its commitment to meaningful corporate social responsibility.

As the fundraising calendar kicks off, Choice employees and stakeholders alike are set to rally once again—bringing communities together in support of two organisations that represent lifelines for those most in need across Northern Ireland.