Co-Ownership has today announced it has raised £4,308 for the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust, with staff members having chosen the charity a year ago.
The Trust, based in Newry, is volunteer-led and provides financial assistance and practical guidance to families across the island of Ireland whose loved ones have died unexpectedly or tragically when abroad.
A core purpose of the organisation is to cover or reduce the cost of repatriating remains back home, easing the financial burden at a time of grief, and since launching in 2013, KBRT has helped with over 1,000 repatriations.
Colin Bell from KBRT explained how Co-Ownership’s support will help the charity to continue its work. He said, “We rely entirely on public donations, fundraising and volunteers. Our approach ensures we can help as many families as possible during what can only be described as the most difficult of circumstances. I want to extend our heartfelt thanks to Co-Ownership for the dedication and effort shown by the entire team in raising funds over the past year.”
Every year, Co-Ownership selects a new annual charity partner through staff nomination and vote, as part of its commitment to having a positive impact in the wider community.
To raise the funds, the Co-Ownership team organised a variety of activities, including coffee mornings, raffles, staff participation in marathons, and taking on the Mourne Seven Sevens hiking challenge.
Mark Graham, Chief Executive of Co-Ownership, commended the team’s unwavering dedication to good causes. He said, “While our mission to help people across Northern Ireland achieve home ownership remains central, supporting communities beyond housing is equally at the heart of who we are. Every year, our team steps up with remarkable commitment to make a meaningful difference for local charities.”
In addition to its annual Charity Partner of the year, Co-Ownership reserves a £6,000 donation fund for staff to nominate causes important to them at intervals. Its long-established Community Fund also awards up to £20,000 in grants annually to community groups and organisations with ideas to revitalise local neighbourhoods, support disabled people, or encourage biodiversity and sustainability.
Co-Ownership plays a vital role in helping people take their first steps into home ownership in Northern Ireland. In 2025/26 it supported 961 into home ownership, representing a £161 million boost to the local property market.
For more information on Co-Ownership’s charity partnerships or to learn more about home ownership support, visit www.co-ownership.org.
