James Brown and Sons celebrates 120 years with community fund
In 2022, the business launched its Community Fund with the aim of providing financial assistance to programmes which support vulnerable people in the local area
Belfast-based funeral provider, James Brown and Sons, has celebrated its 120th anniversary by continuing its tradition of community support, having pledged more than £45k to various community-focused groups thus far.
In 2022, the business launched its Community Fund with the aim of providing financial assistance to programmes which support vulnerable people in the local area.
The recipients from the latest round of funding in June included Caring Breaks, a charity that supports families and carers of people with learning disabilities; a music therapy and relaxation scheme – Mountpottinger Presbyterian Church – which will expand its Freezer Food Mission to deliver frozen meals to those in need; The Rathfern Junior Hill Wardens, to support their nature-based sessions for autistic children ages eight to 12; and youth initiatives to run EmpowerHer, a 10-week holistic wellness programme for young women aged 15 to 18 in East Belfast.
Other organisations awarded funding were All Saints Church, Sólás; special needs charity, Walkway Community Association; and The Annadale and Haywood Residents Association to launch a Community Café.
Having moved to Belfast from Ballybay, County Monaghan, in 1904, James Brown established a business that would eventually become the present-day funeral directors.
Initially a coal merchant and furniture remover, Brown arranged his first funeral in 1932 and the family name has “become synonymous with caring for people ever since”.
The company currently operates from seven funeral homes in and around Belfast.
James Brown, who joined the business his grandfather set up more than 60 years ago and is still actively involved today, said: “Celebrating our 120th anniversary is a moment to reflect on the impact we have had in our community.
“Since I joined the business in 1960 much has changed, but our commitment to caring for people in difficult times remains constant. The Community Fund, supported by Funeral Partners, enables us to help even more people.”
He added: “We have built meaningful relationships and witnessed firsthand the incredible work of these charities. Congratulations to the latest recipients; I look forward to seeing their projects thrive.”
James Brown and Sons has remained a family business, with Brown’s daughter Beverley acting as community relations and marketing manager for the business and its parent company Funeral Partners.
