Busineses with links to USA invited to celebrate Independence Day

‘Stars & Stripes Day’ is a brand-new initiative, sponsored by Qualitrol, which will take place on Wednesday 4 July to coincide with American Independence Day celebrations. It aims to help celebrate the cultural links between America and Northern Ireland by encouraging companies to come together for a day of employer supported volunteering at the Ulster American Folk Park, while supporting one of Northern Ireland’s most important heritage sites.

Andy Nisbet Friel, Communities Executive from Business in the Community, said: We are delighted to launch Stars & Stripes Day. Northern Ireland has always had close ties with the US, and we’ve also recently seen a lot of foreign direct investment from companies with links to the US.”

“We are inviting businesses, both with links to the US and in the Omagh area to celebrate Independence Day with us – and do good at the same time.”  

Paddy Gilmore, Head of Programmes at National Museums NI, said: “We are excited to host the first ‘Stars & Stripes Day’.  National Museums NI care for and present the collections which reflect our people, culture and history.  Our museums play a vital role at the heart of our society and are shared spaces for everyone.  Volunteers can support our work in a number of ways - enhancing the visitor experience where history is brought to life, showcasing our traditional crafts and customs as well as allowing us to continue to care for the collections and museum spaces. ‘Stars & Stripes Day’ is a fantastic opportunity to get involved with the Ulster American Folk Park. We know that the volunteers will make an invaluable contribution – and also have a lot of fun on the day as well.”

Volunteers will work alongside Ulster American Folk Park employees on the day, helping to deliver the museum’s 4th July public programme. Activities will include helping with pioneer cooking, wood craft, participating in 18th century re-enactments, gardening and collecting crops.

Bill Richardson, Qualitrol’s Site Leader and Director of Operations for Glasgow and Belfast added: “At Qualitrol we have experienced the benefits of employer supported volunteering with our own staff so supporting Stars & Stripes Day was a no-brainer for us – I’d encourage organisations of any size and sector to come along and get involved.”

For more information, contact Andy Nisbet Friel on (028) 9046 0606 or visit https://www.bitcni.org.uk/post-events/stars-stripes-day/