Karen Koster joins Barnardos to launch The Big Toddle for Barnardos. #BigToddleIRL
Barnardos children’s charity today launched The Big Toddle for Barnardos 2020. Since it began nearly half a million toddlers have toddled more than 300,000 kilometers to raise vital funds for vulnerable children their own age. Due to covid-19 restrictions, Barnardos is calling on families to ‘Toddle at Home’ for Barnardos, where parents and toddlers can take part in in the comfort and safety of their own homes. Families can register at www.barnardos.ie/big-toddle.
Barnardos is currently working with families in communities across Ireland, some of whom require critical and intensive help during the Covid-19 pandemic. The funds raised through The Big Toddle for Barnardos supports the youngest children Barnardos works with, ensuring that they get the best start in life.
Barnardos Director of Fundraising, Mary Gamble said: “The Big Toddle for Barnardos has been our biggest annual fundraising event since its inception in 2003. Over that time, hundreds of thousands of children all across Ireland have toddled in their crèches, homes and communities to raise much needed funds for vulnerable children all over the country. It’s all about children helping children. Due to the on-going COVID-19 crisis and the closure of all childcare facilities, our Big Toddle event in creches has had to be cancelled. But we have adapted our Big Toddle to a “toddle at home” event which parents and toddlers can take part in from the comfort of their own homes.
“This year,we’re asking families to stay home and have fun with their children instead by walking 1km in their garden or local park. See www.barnardos.ie/big-toddle for more information on activities you can do throughout May and June, we hope you’ll join us!”
Barnardos Big Toddle Ambassador, Karen Koster said: “I’ve been a longstanding supporter of Barnardos and was delighted when they got in touch about being their Big Toddle Ambassador. The children Barnardos works with need your help now, more than ever before and the Big Toddle for Barnardos is a fantastic way to raise funds for a good cause. If you’re finding it tough to keep the little ones entertained during lockdown this will provide the perfect tonic. Whether it’s a run around the back garden or setting up an art space in the sitting room there are loads of activities to keep you occupied. I’ll certainly be joining in the fun with Eve, and I hope you will too!”
The Covid-19 pandemic has meant that the Big Toddle for Barnardos has been adapted to suit a digital platform. The ‘Big Toddle at Home’ Facebook fundraising group will provide families with fun activities to do during lockdown, while also providing a sense of community. To register and download Barnardos Toddle packs check out www.barnardos.ie/big-toddle.
ENDS
For further information, please contact:
Barnardos Press Office: 01 7080442 / 086 0445966
Rachel Boyce; 01 7080443
Trudy McCarthy; 01 7080423