Belfast International Airport supports local charity Women’s Aid ABCLN

• Airport Charity committee donates £2000 to local charity Women’s Aid ABCLN • Charity nominated by staff at Aelia Duty Free as part of the Airport staff Christmas sale • Belfast International Airport committed to working with local charities that enhance the lives of the communities it serves.

Employees at Belfast International Airport, member of the VINCI Airports Network have pulled together to support ongoing efforts with one local charity, raising a total of £2000. The donation will help provide support throughout winter and beyond for Women’s Aid ABCLN in Antrim, less than 20 kms from the airport.

Each year, as part of the Airport’s Aelia Duty-Free Christmas sale, staff nominate charities that tackle a wide range of issues and support local communities. Supporting communities living nearby its airports is a strong commitment from VINCI Airports across all its network. The aid provided to Women’s Aid ABCLN comes at a time when the charity sector is in need of financial backing after two challenging years.

Women’s Aid ABCLN provides confidential support, information and emergency accommodation for women and children who are affected by domestic abuse across Antrim, Ballymena, Carrickfergus, Larne and Newtownabbey. Aelia Duty Free staff recently took part in training to become a ‘Safe Place’ within Belfast International Airport for anyone affected by domestic abuse.

Arlene Creighton from Women’s Aid ABCLN says: “One in four women will be affected by domestic abuse in their lifetime and we know often the biggest victims of domestic abuse are the smallest. Over the Christmas period PSNI will respond to one incident of domestic abuse every 17 minutes. For every incident, we know the impact on women and children will be devastating.” “We are delighted to receive this generous donation and want to thank Belfast International Airport and Aelia Duty Free for all your support.”