This year Larne Platoon, 1st (NI) Battalion Army Cadet Force (ACF) have been continuing their charity ring pull collection with Ballymena Sea Cades, however this year they have also joined forces with Roddensvale School, 1st Larne Girls & Boys Brigade, The Larne Branch of the Great War Society, Public Houses and even a parcel sent from England and all for this worthy cause!
In previous years Larne Cadets have collected well over100 kgs but have smashed this total by collecting an amazing 530kg (53 x10kg bags)!
The huge haul of aluminium ring pulls where presented to Petty Officer Lewis Allison from Ballymena Sea Cadets who originally took on this project.
Detachment Commander of Larne Detachment ACF Sergeant Major Instructor John Johnston remarked:
“It has been a real joint effort, working along with other youth groups, schools and societies for common a goal. Even local businesses such as the pubs and clubs have joined in on the effort.
He continued:
“It’s great to see everyone doing something so simple for a worthy cause”.
The ring pulls along with others will be eventually sent to be melted down and used as one of the main products for the prosthetic limbs for some of our local veterans.
Cadet Lance Corporal Ellen Robinson said:
“We started collecting ring pulls for the volunteering section of the Duke of Edinburgh Award, but it soon became more than just collecting them for the award. Each week my mum and I were getting calls from people in our area to come and collect the ring pulls. Everyone embraced how simple an act and could make such a big difference to someone. We even got a parcel sent over from England which was greatly appreciated”.
The Detachment will be continuing to collected ring pulls and again will try to beat the previous tally so keep those ring pulls coming in and we will pass them on.
