Two Manx charities are being championed by the new Mayor and Mayoress of Douglas in their year in office.
Homelessness charity Kemmryk and Craig's Heartstrong Foundation have been chosen by Mayor Ritchie McNicholl and his wife Julie for the annual appeal.
The Mayoress, Mrs McNicholl, launched the mayoral charity appeal last Wednesday (June 16) at a reception in the council chamber of Douglas town hall.
Introducing the appeal Mr McNicholl JP said there was a long history of fundraising and charitable works attached to the Mayoralty.
In a brief outline of the two chosen charities, the Mayoress explained that Kemmyrk was a Manx homelessness charity working to reduce the problem in the Island and supporting those who find themselves homeless. Kemmyrk works with people who have no accommodation and those living in unsafe or insecure conditions.
Craig's Heartstrong Foundation (CHF) was founded by the family of Craig Lunt who died suddenly at the age of 24 from an undiagnosed heart defect.
The charity raises money to bring qualified staff (Cardiac Risk in the Young) and specialist screening equipment to the Isle of Man of a regular basis.
Craig's mum Paula said: "It's absolutely unbelievable to be chosen. It's so humbling and such an honour. The Mayoress is such a lovely lady and I know they are going to raise so much money for our charity and Kemmyrk because they are so committed."
She said she was 'gobsmacked' to be informed at the mayor's inauguration that CHF had been selected and the launch of mayoral charity appeal had been very emotional.
Some donations for this year's appeal have already been received including £500 from ILS Fiduciaries and £620 from miscellaneous donors.
Fundraising events planned include cruises on the MV Karina on August 7 and September 4, a quiz night in the Outback on a date in September to be confirmed and a collection during the Christmas lights switch-on on Thursday, November 25.
There will also be the mayor's variety show on March 26 and the Mayoral Ball taking place April 30, with venues for both events yet to be confirmed.
George Campbell, a member of the Mayoral charity appeal fund committee, invited those present at the launch to pledge their support in whatever way they could, be it volunteering to help at an event, organising an event, donations cash or prizes of simply buying tickets.
