Ulster’s Chartered Accountants gave out some Christmas presents this week and provided a boost to local children’s charities by presenting hundreds of toys to the Salvation Army and St. Vincent de Paul Family Appeal.

Chartered Accountants Ulster Society raised a total of £19,500 with support from event sponsor Barclays. This total will be shared between Friends of Kiwoko Hospital in Uganda and the Alzheimer’s Society.

The toys and funds were collected at the Society’s Christmas Charity Lunch at the Europa Hotel in Belfast, attended by over 500 Chartered Accountants.

Richard Gillan, Chairman of Chartered Accountants Ulster Society and Managing Partner at Grant Thornton Northern Ireland said: “Our Charity Lunch is one of our most important events and a fantastic opportunity to make Christmas a little bit brighter for a lot of families.

“Chartered Accountants have raised money and donated toys which will bring some Christmas sparkle to children this Christmas. This event is always one of our busiest and most enjoyable events and it’s especially important at this time of year that we can support fantastic charities which make a big difference. We’re particularly pleased that with the support of Barclays we have been able to make this a record year in terms of funds raised.”

John Mathers, Corporate Development Director of Barclays said: “Barclays is delighted to support the Ulster Society Christmas lunch, in this our fifth year of doing so. The lunch is a highlight of the calendar for members and welcomes in the festive season. Guests have once again been extremely generous in their donations of toys and money, helping to make a real difference to many both locally and further afield.”