18th September 2026: Barnardos is calling on the public to help change the lives of children across the country by supporting its annual Giving Day this Friday the 18th of September. Giving Day is an opportunity for people to donate to a great cause and make meaningful difference to the lives of children and families who are affected by traumatic life situations. The children’s charity is asking the public to donate at barnardosgivingday.ie – because childhood lasts a lifetime.
Barnardos offers a range of early intervention; specialist services; and practical and emotional support in 56 Barnardos centres, family homes, schools and communities nationwide.
Funds raised this Giving Day will help to provide children with a nutritious start at Barnardos’ breakfast clubs; hot dinner at their after-school clubs; practical support for families at their Family Support Services, specialist services and so much more, all across the country.
Mary Gamble, Barnardos Director of Fundraising said; “Today in Ireland, over 200,000 children are living in poverty. Growing up in a household tense with financial strain fills a child’s life with chronic anxiety, physically altering how their developing brain responds to stress. Without early support, this prolonged childhood stress can shape the adult we become.
“That is why the work Barnardos does is so vital. Across our 56 centres, our teams are there for children and families when they need us most, providing support, building confidence and helping children to overcome the barriers they face.
“Giving children the right support at the right time can make a profound difference to their lives and their futures. This Giving Day, we are asking the public to help us continue that work and reach the children who need us most. Because childhood lasts a lifetime.”
The difference each donation makes:
- €10 can provide breakfast for a child for one week at a Barnardos Breakfast Club.
- €20 can provide a child attending a Barnardos service with cosy pyjamas, slippers & bed socks to help them keep warm at night.
- €30 can provide a child attending a Barnardos service with the essentials they need to support self-care and good hygiene for happy, healthy childhoods.
- €50 can provide a child being supported Barnardos with warm clothes as they head off to school on cold mornings.
- €100 can provide a hamper of food to help a family keep their cupboard and fridge stocked for a week.
- €150 can provide 2 home visits from a Barnardos project worker to help a struggling parent to create the best environment for their child to thrive.
- €250 can help a child attending Barnardos After-School homework club access educational support.
For further information, please contact:
Barnardos Press Office: 086 044 5966
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: barnardosireland
Instagram: @barnardos_irl
LinkedIn: @Barnardos Ireland
