The Gaelic Players Association is delighted to announce that Barnardos has been selected as our Official Charity Partner for 2024. Players will work with Barnardos for the remainder of the year to help raise awareness of the work the charity does and to help raise much-needed funds.
Barnardos is a nationwide charity dedicated to helping vulnerable children and their families across the country. With over 700 staff and volunteers, Barnardos deliver vital services to over 20,000 children and families each year.
Barnardos’ mission is to ensure all vulnerable children in Ireland get the support they need to overcome childhood adversity.
Barnardos was chosen as the GPA’s Official Charity Partner following an extensive selection process which began with a public call for submissions.
Leadership from both parties came together today at Croke Park to officially launch the partnership.
Speaking to mark the announcement, GPA CEO Tom Parsons said; “The work carried out by Barnardos is incredible and to have them on board as our Official Charity Partner is a great honour for the GPA. Players look forward to working closely with the Barnardos team and with those children and families they support throughout the year. The impact Barnardos have on the vulnerable children and families who receive support is priceless, and we hope to maximise the awareness of their work.
“GPA members are in a unique position to make a positive impact on society, not just through their sporting achievements, but also through their influence and ability to inspire others. Supporting charities and social causes is one way that we can use our platform to make a difference and give back to our communities.”
Suzanne Connolly, Barnardos CEO said; “We are delighted to be the 2024 GPA Official Charity Partner as we share a joint ambition for supporting youth wellbeing in Ireland. We believe that through this unique partnership with the GPA and their members, we can spread more awareness of the work we do in communities across Ireland.
We look forward to working with the male and female Gaelic players to support our work through offering coaching workshops and other types of practical help in Barnardos centres. Barnardos works with over 20,000 children and families each year. We provide practical and emotional support services at the heart of communities, schools and homes across Ireland.
Our core work supports the most vulnerable children in the country who have been impacted by traumatic childhood experiences, including poverty, domestic violence and the effects of homelessness. Because childhood lasts a lifetime.”
Following today’s launch, the GPA will make a €10,000 donation to Barnardos, while they will also be given a central place at one of the GPA’s Legend’s Lunches later this year.
ENDS
About Barnardos
Barnardos is a nationwide charity dedicated to helping vulnerable children and their families. With over 700 staff and volunteers, Barnardos are present in 54 service locations across Ireland delivering vital services to over 20,000 vulnerable children and families each year.
Barnardos’ mission and vision is to transform the lives of vulnerable children and ensure all vulnerable children in Ireland get the support they need to overcome childhood adversity.
Barnardos provide a range of services working with children to build resilience with a focus on their social, emotional, physical and educational development. The organisation helps parents strengthen their parenting skills to meet the needs of their children. Barnardos also work with schools to support children in their social and emotional development, and to help with their educational progress. Their work in communities helps connect families with local supports.