The Community Rescue Service (CRS) has received a significant boost to its life-saving capabilities following a £10,536 donation from Antrim-based gas network operator, Kinecx Energy.

The total was reached through a series of co-ordinated staff events held throughout last year, with the final figure bolstered by a match-funding contribution from the company. The funds will go directly towards the CRS mission of locating vulnerable missing persons and providing essential services such as safety patrols and suicide prevention initiatives across Northern Ireland.

Founded by Sean McCarry OBE, the CRS is a vital component of the region's emergency response network. As the only accredited Lowland Rescue partner in the province, the organisation operates six units across all six counties and 11 council areas, maintaining a 24/7 presence throughout the year.

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The partnership began after Kinecx Energy staff voted for CRS as their Charity of the Year for 2025. Since then, employees have participated in various fundraising activities, including two relay teams in the Belfast Marathon and a sponsored abseil down Ramore Head in Portrush last spring.

Lisa McCarthy, Kinecx Energy's Transportation Services Business and Planning Manager and chair of the Corporate Social Responsibility Committee, said: "This incredible fundraising effort highlights the generosity and determination of staff. Their commitment to supporting Community Rescue Service demonstrates the very best of Kinecx Energy's people and the difference they are making locally."

She added: "This donation is going to make a difference, allowing Community Rescue Service to invest in training, equipment and volunteer support so it's teams can continue to respond swiftly and effectively when individuals and families need them most."

Expressing his gratitude for the contribution, Sean McCarry stated: "On behalf of everyone at the Community Rescue Service, we would like to say a massive thank you to everyone at Kinecx for having us as their charity and for the amazing fundraising effort. Their donation goes directly to helping CRS deliver the vital lifesaving and life changing services that are essential to those in our community that find themselves in crisis."

He concluded: "Our volunteers – who are on call 24/7 – could not bring that missing or vulnerable person home to their loved ones without people like you supporting us and we are eternally grateful for this support."