Local suppliers help serve up a charity feast

Local suppliers help serve up a charity feast

Belfast-based Ewing’s Fishmongers, a family business based on the Shankill Road, and O’Doherty’s Butchers from Enniskillen recently helped served up a meal fit for a duchess at the star-studded House of Lords v House of Commons Swim in aid of local charity Hope for Youth.

Ewing’s supplied the salmon for a head-turning starter which was enjoyed by high profile guests, including Her Royal Highness, the Duchess of Gloucester; Joanna Lumley, Jennifer Saunders, and Gloria Hunniford, among others.

Now in its 28th year, the Hope For Youth Northern Ireland Speedo Charity Swim Gala Dinner has included famous faces such as the House of Lords team captain, The Lord St John of Bletso; the House of Commons team captain, Northern Ireland’s Ian Paisley; Duncan Goodhew MBE and a number of Speedo world-class UK swimmers.  Following the swim and presentations, guests at the star-studded event were treated to a top-notch menu featuring the fabulous salmon supplied by Ewing’s.

Over £90,000 was raised for Hope For Youth on the evening, which will be put towards cross-community groups in Northern Ireland who work to help improve the lives of young people aged 11-18.

Projects supported by money raised at the last Hope For Youth NI gala swim have included: Dreamscheme NI; Reach Across; Dundonald Sea Cadets; Enagh Youth Forum and Life Changes Lives, amongst others.  The charity has been making a difference to young people’s lives for over 40 years with a range of events including the biennial charity swim.

Walter Ewing, owner of Ewing’s, which was established in 1911, has been selling, curing and smoking fish since he was a boy – just like his father and grandfather before him.  Commenting on the recent dinner served at the prestigious Porchester Hall, London, Walter Ewing said:

“We are so excited to have supplied the smoked salmon for the dinner at the House of Lords v House of Commons charity swim.  Ewing’s smoked salmon is a favourite among many Michelin-starred chefs and our traditional family-run fishmongers is passionate about the quality of the fish we sell.”