Barnardos, Ireland’s leading children’s charity was joined today by RTÉ 2FM presenter Jennifer Zamparelli to launch its annual National Collection Day, which is once again kindly supported by Dell Technologies. In the past, Barnardos annual National Collection Day involved over 1,000 wonderful volunteers organising bag-packs and on-street collections right across the country. This year things are a little different and the charity is asking the public to join its 5k Friday Challenge and join the fun with RTÉ 2fm’s Flashback Friday on September 10. Information on how to get involved is available at www.barnardos.ie.
Barnardos works with just under 18,000 children and families in communities across Ireland and relies heavily on public fundraising to continue its vital work. Its core work supports vulnerable children affected by traumatic life events such as the impact of poverty, abuse, neglect and mental health challenges.
Barnardos Director of Fundraising, Mary Gamble said: “Barnardos National Collection Day has been a highlight for staff and our supporters for many years. In years gone by we’ve had volunteers around the country hit the streets, shaking buckets for Barnardos. This year that’s unfortunately not possible again due to the ongoing pandemic, so we’ve set up a fun 5k Challenge and joined forces with RTÉ 2FM to create Flashback Friday. I hope the public will enjoy these events as much as us and implore everyone to get involved because we can’t continue our vital work without them. We’re also extremely grateful to our sponsor, Dell Technologies whose support over the last five years has ensured we continue to reach those who need us in communities across Ireland. Please join us and donate what you can this Friday, for more information about how you can get involved go to www.barnardos.ie.
RTÉ 2FM Presenter, Jennifer Zamparelli said: “I’m delighted to be involved with Barnardos National Collection Day this year. The charity does great work with children and families across the country, and it’s with the support of the public that it can continue to do so. This Friday, September 10 RTÉ 2fm will be turning back the clock and playing hits of the 90s throughout the day in what we’re calling Flashback Friday! Listen to RTÉ 2FM on the day to reminisce about your happiest childhood memories and help Barnardos create magical memories for some of the most vulnerable children in Ireland. Throughout the day we’ll have some very special guests, great music and even better competitions to get involved with so don’t miss out. With your support, we can make this Barnardos biggest National Collection Day yet!”
Denis Lucey, Vice-President of Commercial Support Services EMEA and Cherrywood Site Leader, Dell Technologies said: “Since first joining forces with the Barnardos team in 2017, we’ve been truly inspired by the life-changing impact Barnardos has on children and families in communities throughout Ireland. This has struck a chord with our own team members who over the years have come together to support the children’s charity. The past eighteen months has been challenging for all parts of society as we navigated our way through the pandemic but we know that it has been particularly challenging for our young people. This year’s campaign is more important than ever so that we raise vital funds to ensure the team at Barnardos can continue to provide much needed support and services to young people and their families right across the country. I know the team at Dell Technologies is looking forward to getting behind the campaign this year and taking part in the 5K Friday Challenge.”
All money raised will go directly towards Barnardos vital work in communities across Ireland. For more information go to www.barnardos.ie.
For further information, please contact:
Barnardos Press Office: 01 7080442 / 086 0445966
Rachel Boyce; 01 7080443
Trudy McCarthy; 01 7080423
Visit Barnardos Media Centre www.barnardos.ie/media
Facebook: barnardosireland
Twitter: @Barnardos_IRL
Instagram: @barnardos_irl