Encirc raises well over £6,000 for Cancer Focus NI

Encirc has raised a whopping £6,470.29 for Cancer Focus Northern Ireland following a highly successful charity shop takeover in Enniskillen and a tasty fundraising event at the Boatyard Distillery.

The initiative formed part of Cancer Focus NI’s wider charity shop takeover programme, which sees businesses, organisations, and community groups across Northern Ireland step into Cancer Focus shops for a day.

As part of this initiative, Encirc’s Charity Committee organised a full-day takeover of the Cancer Focus NI Charity Shop in Enniskillen at the end of May.

The takeover featured a packed schedule of entertainment and activities designed to attract visitors of all ages, including: live entertainment from Encirc’s own Ben Kettyles; music and fun with DJ Bob; mystery prizes for customers, a raffle with top prizes, face painting, games and interactive activities. There was also an impromptu flash mob at the Diamond with DJ Bob providing the tunes.

Throughout the day, members of the public were encouraged to visit, shop, donate, and get involved, with every purchase contributing directly to Cancer Focus NI’s work providing support services, counselling, prevention programmes, and care for those affected by cancer.

The success of the shop takeover was followed by a special evening fundraising event at the award-winning Boatyard Distillery, where guests enjoyed a memorable evening of wine tasting and nibbles on the edge of Lough Erne.

Jordan Scallon, chair of Encirc’s Charity Committee said: “We’re incredibly proud to have taken part in Cancer Focus NI’s shop takeover initiative, which is such a creative and impactful way to support local communities. They do such important work in our community and raising over £6,000 is beyond what we ever thought we could do. Many thanks goes out to all those in Encirc who helped in any way and to all those who donated and contributed to this fantastic total.”

Cancer Focus NI also praised the initiative and its broader impact. Krystle Corrigan commented: “Our charity shop takeovers play a vital role in connecting businesses and communities with our work. We cannot thank Encirc enough for their incredible support over the years.

“As one of our valued charity partners, Encirc continues to go above and beyond in supporting the work of Cancer Focus NI and helping us make a real difference to local people and families living with cancer.”

She added: “Their team made a huge impact during our collaboration at Shops Challenge, throwing themselves wholeheartedly into the event, embracing every challenge, and giving it their all from start to finish. Their enthusiasm, commitment, and team spirit were truly inspiring to see. We are incredibly grateful for their continued support and generosity. The phenomenal total they have raised is a fantastic reflection of the effort, dedication, and passion shown by everyone involved.

“On behalf of all of us at Cancer Focus NI, thank you, Encirc, for standing with us and helping ensure that no one has to face cancer alone.”

The collaboration shows the power of local partnerships and community-led fundraising, demonstrating how initiatives like the Cancer Focus NI shop takeover programme can deliver help to those who need it most.