Combining two of his greatest passions – fundraising and community – Cllr Troy Gallagher is in his element as he speaks about why he’s launching an Easter Raffle for St Luke’s and how much it will help the local community during this challenging time. Troy explains: “I absolutely love St Luke’s. It is something very special, that helps people of all ages across all sections of the community. It continuously delivers for local people and cheerfully punches above its weight every time. It truly is the jewel in the crown of Finsbury.”

As Troy says, this raffle is so important for St Luke’s Food Hub at such a difficult time for the community: “All the money raised will go towards supporting St Luke’s cost of living support for local people in desperate need. It will also go towards the outreach and engagement to ensure that those who are in need and suffering but don’t come out of their homes are helped and supported. I think we all can agree that in 21^st century Britain no citizen should need to use a foodbank, but they’re absolutely vital.”

This is not the first fundraiser for Troy – he’s been fundraising for over 20 years for various charities and good causes. He’s been organising the Christmas quiz in the Britannia for the past seven years (before that the quizzes were held in the White Lion) and St Luke’s has always been the beneficiary. As he says: “Quizzes are always a popular way of fundraising. It brings the community together for a common good cause, people of all ages can join and have fun, bit of healthy competition, learn something you didn’t know and also raise awareness of the work St Luke’s does. I’m astounded at how much St Luke’s does, evolving and adapting to challenges but keeping its core values and mission in focus – helping those in South Islington who need it.”

Above: Troy opening our Wellbeing Hub in September 2021 as Islington Mayor.

Troy is part of the fabric of the South Islington community through his various roles. In his words: “I have 22 years involvement within the local community. First as chair of Whitecross TRA, the first resident chair of the safer neighbourhoods panel. I then was elected as board member and community representative to EC1 New Deal for communities, elected local councillor for Bunhill ward in 2010 and holding a number of positions within the council before becoming the first Irish-born Mayor of Islington in 2021. I was a board member at St Luke’s for over ten years.”

We’d like to say a huge “thank you” to Troy for organising the raffle, and to Brendan and Dee Cluskey from the Britannia, and its patrons, who are huge supporters of St Luke’s and the services and activities we provide.

Buy tickets for the Easter Raffle.

Interview: Lisa Burrell