Clean water & health
Access to safe drinking water and reduced risk of water-borne disease in vulnerable Ugandan communities.
Boreholes at IAM Academy (300+ children) and Kabumba Village (100+ households).
Our Impact
What two decades of generosity have achieved in Northern Ireland and Uganda.
Impact that lasts
Every Ride, every donation, and every partnership creates a ripple that reaches far beyond Saintfield. Together we have delivered clean water, education, health support, and hope — while building one of Northern Ireland’s most joyful Christmas traditions.
In Uganda
Our Uganda work is delivered through trusted local partners and focused on sustainable, community-led change.
300+
Children with clean water at IAM Academy
100+
Households served by the Kabumba borehole
20
Years of partnership between Saintfield and Uganda
1
Model village in development
In Northern Ireland
The Ride is more than a spectacle. It is a community that gathers, gives, and grows together every Christmas.
20
Years of the Christmas Charity Ride
1000s
Riders and spectators each December
£1000s
Raised annually for good causes
Many
Local charities and community groups supported
Four pillars of change
Our programmes are organised around the areas that unlock lasting transformation.
Education
Access to quality education for underprivileged children through safe learning spaces and learning materials.
Classroom construction, scholarships, and scholastic materials.
Dignity & opportunity for girls
Support for girl-child education through sanitary provision for school-going girls.
Partnership with Upendo Now.
Livelihoods & resilience
Improved livelihoods, skills, and community capacity for youth and rural households.
Skills training, improved seed, and financial literacy initiatives.
Moments from the journey
Legacy wall
Key milestones from twenty years of Saintfield to Kabumba.
2007
The Journey Begins
The first Saintfield Christmas Charity Ride is held, inspired by the visiting Mwamba Choir. Funds are raised for children in Uganda through Rock Ministries Northern Ireland Trust.
2009
Mwamba Choir Returns
The Mwamba Choir returns to Northern Ireland, helping raise funds towards the development of an orphanage in Uganda.
2007–Present
Annual Charity Events
The Saintfield Christmas Charity Ride continues each December, alongside the annual summer Saintfield Horse Show, bringing the community together to raise funds for charitable causes at home and in Uganda.
2018
End of an Era
After many years of partnership supporting children in Uganda, Rock Ministries Northern Ireland Trust retires.
2019
A New Partnership
A new partnership begins with IAM Academy through IAM Family Ministries, including funding for a borehole providing clean water to the school and surrounding community.
2022
Uganda Project Fund
The Uganda Project Fund is established, supporting the Kabumba borehole, classroom construction and wider community development.
2026
Charity Registered
Saintfield Christmas Charity Ride becomes a registered Northern Ireland charity, strengthening its foundation for the future.
December 2026
20th Anniversary
The 20th Saintfield Christmas Charity Ride marks two decades of fundraising, community spirit and lasting impact in Northern Ireland and Uganda.
Partners
We are grateful for the organisations that have partnered with us over the years.
Local churches
Cancer Research
Christian Aid
Rock Ministries Northern Ireland Trust
Mwamba Choir
IAM Family Ministries
Riding for the Disabled
Upendo Now
Add your chapter
Whether you ride, donate, volunteer, or pray, your support shapes the next twenty years of impact.