End of Year Newsletter 2022 - Cliona's Foundation

Hi there, PleaseindulgeusifwestillwishyouaveryHappyNew Year,health&happinessfor2023!

Thankfully2022wasatremendoussuccessforCliona’s as you’ll see from our y/e 2022 Newsletter; lots of fundraisers, events, donations, partnerships, highs, lows but not many, we’re happy to say - at the risk of not forgetting anybody or anything, there was plenty goingontokeepusallonourtoeshere!

Sowithoutdelvinganydeeperpleaseenjoythisedition of Cliona’s Foundation last Newsletter 2022 when I hope you’ll agree that it’s “jam-packed” with all that happened which in turn has thankfully allowed us to provide financial support to 164 families – you’ll see the breakdown inside “2022 Stats & Facts“ and also included is our map outlining the full nationwide numbers of families to date.

Thank you as always to our outstanding Board Members who religiously guide us monthly with their solidadvice,directionandguidance.

FinallythankyoutoTeamCliona’s Phil, Darren, Charlotte, Brendan & Terry without whom the continuance of Cliona’s Foundation would notbepossible!

Fornow,everygoodwish.

February2023

gathered at the starting post for the Second Annual 2022 Inter-Firm Charity Race Day

Companies

The Annual 2022 Inter Firm Charity Race Day took place on Thursday 21st July in Limerick Racecourse. The Race Day was first held in 2019 and everyone was absolutely delighted to be back again to enjoy a day out while also helping to raise funds for Cliona’s families.

Over 55 Munster based corporates and their guests enjoyed a very special day of racing in balmy July weather. In attendance were Irish jockeys Davy Russell and Darragh O’Keeffe who took photos and chatted with the audience throughout the day. Tipster Johnny Looby kept everyone entertained as well as hosting conversations with Shane Dowling, Davy Russell and Darragh O’Keefe who were pleased to talk about all things hurling, racing and also their admiration and support for Cliona’s.

Kerry Jersey raises vital funds

As July was the month Kerry won the AllIreland Football final, Cliona’s were delighted to be able to auction off a signed Kerry goalie jersey signed by the 2014 winning team. The jersey raised €900 for families in need.

GPA/Cliona’s partnership was a winning combination

What an amazing day we had in Croke Park in August for the return of the Gaelic Players Association Legends Lunch.

Cliona’s had the privilege of being the beneficiary of the event and had the opportunity to share with the 400 plus attendees our story and a clip of “Ireland’s Forgotten Families”.

The support and feedback really blew us away and we are extremely grateful to everyone who made this very special event possible.

So many had a part to play but a special thank you to all the staff in the GPA for the work they put into making it so special for so many reasons - which has resulted in significant funds being raised, raising the profile of Cliona’s and the plight of families caring for a sick child.

Four legends of Gaelic games were honoured by the GPA with Lifetime Achievement Awards. The female honourees were Mary Jo Curran (Kerry) and Angela Downey (Kilkenny). The male honourees were Babs Keating (Tipperary) and Jimmy Keaveney (Dublin).

The event was hosted by Cliona’s patron, RTÉ’s Miriam O’Callaghan who was joined by her colleague Damian Lawlor and many other special guests including impressionist Aidan Tierney.

Inter-county players across Ireland are proud of having raised €80,000 for Cliona’s, who were the Gaelic Players Association’s Official Charity Partner for 2022. GPA Player Welfare Manager Colm Begley handed over a cheque for this amount to Cliona’s Foundation co-founder and Voluntary CEO Brendan Ring at Croke Park.

One of the corporate winners at the race day – Fiserv/CPL

Miriam O’Callaghan as host

Cliona’s CEO, Brendan Ring and GPA Player Welfare Manager, Colm Begley

Spruce & Willow do fundraiser for families in need

The café Spruce & Willow in Kilmallock had a fantastic evening of music for Cliona’s on the 10th July to help raise funds for families in need. The event supported by Edel, her team and musician Handipak helped to raise €1,030.26 for Cliona’s.

Cliona’s Board Nominated at Charity Excellence Awards

We were delighted to be a finalist at the Charity Excellence Awards for “Charity Board of the Year”. While we may not have won the award at the event in Dublin, it was fantastic to be in the company of over 300 wonderful people and fellow charities all doing amazing work.

Caman Racing Make Donation for Families in Need

Our CEO, Brendan Ring met up with Caman Racing Ambassador, TJ Ryan and Treasurer, Donal Morrissey to receive a very generous donation of €2,500.

We are delighted to be one of their Charity Partners for 2022/2023 and to have the opportunity to increase awareness of Cliona’s to the Horse Racing Community.

Ally Grace Host Ladies Lunch

Ally Grace, a lady’s boutique in Carrigaline, hosted a ladies lunch in September. Special thanks to Alison Crowley, who made it all happen and our own Board member Susan Ahern Daly who shared her very personal story and flew the flag for Cliona’s - raising awareness of the struggles of families caring for a sick child. The event raised €3,000 that was split between Cliona’s and the Carrigaline Musical Society.

Cliona’s a Beneficiary from Pauric’s Journey Fundraiser

We are very privileged to be a beneficiary of funds from the “Pauric’s Journey - for continued treatment in America”. Thanks to the Bonnar family and everyone involved in this amazing community fundraiser.

Pauric Bonnar from Belcruit in Donegal was 19 when he was diagnosed with cancer in 2020 and spent 18 months travelling from Donegal to Dublin for treatment. He was then given the opportunity to travel to America for treatment and the local community rallied around and fundraised to make this possible.

Sadly Pauric never got the chance to travel and lost his battle in May. The family made the decision to pay forward the support they and Pauric had received and selected 14 Charities to benefit from the €60,000 funds raised and intended for Pauric’s journey. We feel extremely honoured to have been included in that special group and receive a very generous donation of €4,000.

Spruce & Willow

Ally Grace

Board members at the awards

Cliona’s CEO, Brendan Ring, TJ Ryan and Donal Morrissey

An Inspiring Morning at Cliona’s Resilience and Resolve Networking Breakfast

A panel featuring some of the most incredible people in the Mid-West took place in aid of Cliona’s Foundation in September. The breakfast was kindly supported by The Savoy Hotel.

John McNamara, Vicki O’Toole, and Jim Warny shared their remarkable personal stories, with Liam Aherne doing an incredible job as moderator. Co-Founder and voluntary CEO of Cliona’s, Brendan Ring opened the event with a moving speech about the thousands of families all over Ireland opening their own curtains bright and early, in their own homes, on that very same morning, getting ready to face a journey to a hospital for various types of treatments.

Cliona’s Receive AmCham Cairdeas Award 2022

We were delighted to be the recipient of the AmCham Cairdeas Award 2022. The event took place in Adare Manor and our CEO, Brendan Ring had the opportunity to speak to everyone in attendance.

Greybridge Classic Club’s Christmas Lights Run Returns

The Greybridge Classic Club’s Christmas lights run was back with a bang on Friday 30th December. The assortment of tractors, trucks and cars lit up in every festive colour of the rainbow departed Limerick Racecourse in Patrickswell. The vehicles then went on a tour around the countryside of County Limerick before reaching their final destination at the Woodlands House Hotel in Adare. We were fortunate to be of the beneficiaries of the event along with CareBright.

Brendan re-iterated how it was more important than ever to help these families financially, specifically for the nonmedical costs of caring for their children and referred to the resilience and resolve that Cliona’s continually witness in the families they support.

It was certainly an inspiring morning for all attendees. Guests enjoyed a delicious breakfast in the fabulous five-star surrounds of the Savoy Hotel. There was an opportunity to network with other businesses, to hear the panellist’s personal stories on resilience and resolve and their insights into how we can all overcome challenges in our own ways.

Car Draw for a Brand-New Ford Focus 2023 Raises Funds for Cliona’s

On New Year’s Eve, TD, Patrick O’Donovan announced the winner of a brand new Ford Focus 2023. With the draw taking place at Garryspillane GAA’s pitch and live on Facebook, Marie Hennessey from Knocklong, Limerick was pulled out from the drum.

This car raffle was a big part of Cliona’s Christmas Campaign. With over 1,400 tickets sold for the raffle, we would like to thank everyone who bought or sold a ticket for Cliona’s to help families in need.

Guest speakers with host Liam Aherne and Cliona’s CEO, Brendan

Our CEO Brendan receiving award

The Greybridge Classic Club’s Christmas lights run

Conack make “Faith’s Project” a Dream Come True

A safe garden for our children to play is something many of us are lucky enough to take for granted. This is not the case for one family in Mallow, Co. Cork, whose lives face tough daily challenges as a result of their daughter Faith’s, life limiting condition. Faith Browne aged 9 was born with cerebral palsy, epilepsy and hearing loss. She had a cochlear implant in 2015 and travelled to the USA in 2017 for neurological surgery.

space without the worry of getting injured. Lisa contacted Cliona’s Foundation for advice on how they could make this happen. They were so determined to provide this safe garden; they were preparing to sell their family car to cover the costs.

Cliona’s reached out to Conack Construction, who had previously expressed their interest in supporting Cliona’s to ask for their support and were thrilled when managing directors Tom O’Connor and Kieran Cusack immediately came to the rescue. Conack very generously agreed to donate their resources to build a beautiful, safe garden area for Faith. An emotional visit between Spider-man, Conack’s project team, Cliona’s and Faith’s family last year unveiled the labour of love which has truly changed their quality of life.

After having a major role in transforming Faith Browne’s garden earlier on in the year, Conack continued to show their support for Cliona’s by donating €5,000 just before Christmas to help families in need. A massive thank you to Tom O’Connor and his staff for their ongoing support!

In January 2022, she had major reconstructive surgery for hip and foot socket problems.

Faith is immobile, requires regular physiotherapy and relies on her brightly decorated wheelchair with its butterfly adorned wheels to get around. Cliona’s Foundation developed a special relationship with the Browne family, having previously supported them with their many non-medical expenses. Cliona’s also arranged for some members of the Cork Senior Women’s Football team to visit Faith in 2021 as part of the Cliona’s/GPA partnership.

In early 2022, Faith fell on the concrete ground in their large back yard. This incident and the fact that Faith will always have on-going health challenges prompted her mother Lisa and father Dave to investigate closing off a small area at the back of their house for Faith to enjoy outdoor

Cliona’s awarded €34,500 from the 2022 AIB Community Fund

We were delighted to be awarded €34,500 from the 2022 AIB Community Fund which in total is worth €1 Million.

The annual 2022 AIB Community Fund, which launched earlier in the year, saw over 70 charities all over Ireland receive funding as part of the initiative with Cliona’s being chosen as one.

Having been nominated by AIB customers, staff and the public, Cliona’s were one of the top six nominations in Munster.

Faith Browne with Spiderman

Browne Family with Suppliers/Contractors

AIB Community Fund

Inaugural

Cork Lunch a Massive Success

Cliona’s Foundation’s Inaugural Cork Corporate Lunch featuring the Infamous Reggie, took place on Friday 21st October at The Clayton Hotel, Lapps Quay, Cork. Sister’s Audrey McSweeney and Mary Dwyer hosted a sold out lunch event to raise awareness and funds in Cork on behalf of Cliona’s Foundation.

Audrey and Mary’s involvement came about when Audrey decided she wanted to help a worthy charity. Audrey met with the Cliona’s team, and after hearing about the charity, the work of the voluntary Board Members and the lack of exposure in Cork, Audrey and her sister Mary offered to organise an event to raise awareness of this issue in Cork.

The event was a hugely successful and enjoyable day out and bookings are already confirmed for 13th October 2023. Speaking at the event, about the importance of fundraising events for the organisation, was Cliona’s voluntary Board member Susan Daly, Susan and her family have travelled the hard journey of the families Cliona’s help and were once a beneficiary of the foundation.

Co-Founder and voluntary CEO of Cliona’s Brendan Ring said “So many of these families experienced, and continue to experience, the significant non-medical costs of caring for a child with a life-limiting condition. We are incredibly grateful to Audrey, Mary and everyone who attended the lunch and ensuring it’s success”.

Cliona’s Score Partnership with Malahide United AFC

It was great to see Malahide United AFC U/16 girls team wearing our Cliona’s logo on their jerseys. Thank you for this support which helps us raise awareness of what we do and why.

United Metals Recycling Climb for Cliona’s

What a super fundraising initiative from the brilliant team in UMR Group who climbed Moylussa, the highest point in Clare, raising awareness & the fantastic amount of €7,795 for Cliona’s.

Thank you to all the staff & family members who participated, donated, organised and supported, to the UMR Groups affiliates and customers who made donations and to the UMR Group for their matching contribution.

Cliona’s Receive Inver Community Donation

We were delighted to be a recipient of a €1,000 donation from the Inver Community #LeadingLights initiative thanks to our nomination by the O’Brien Kelly family in Inver Premier Service Station, Ennis Road, Limerick. A wonderful initiative supporting communities and those in need all over the country.

Susan Ahern Daly

Event organisers, Audrey McSweeney and Mary Dwyer with Cliona’s board member, Susan and renowned sports commentator, Trevor Welch

UMR on their hill walk for Cliona’s

Malahide United AFC U/16 girls’ team

Inver Community Donation

Listowel Community Continue to Support Cliona’s as We Remember the Late Padraig Beasley

All of the Cliona’s team were deeply saddened to hear that the very special 11 year old Padraig Beasley of Listowel, Co. Kerry passed away peacefully on Friday evening 6th January at home surrounded by his loving family.

many families were going through and to give back in any way they could with the support of the wonderful community in Listowel. This included a spinathon in Garvey’s Supervalu, a karaoke night in Christy’s bar, an auction of a signed 2014 Kerry jersey and some very generous donations from local businesses which raised an incredible €10,965 in July last year. Listowel Garden Centre opened their 20th Christmas shop thanks to Padraig, who cut the ribbon in October.

Thank you, Padraig, for giving & teaching so much to so many in your short life. Rest peacefully Padraig, shine bright with all the other shining stars and watch over all who will miss you beyond words can describe.

We express our condolences to all families who have lost children during 2022.

Camino for Cliona’s

Cliona’s have been working with secondary schools for many years through talks about our work and various fundraisers. The families we support are caring for children in every community in Ireland and we have always been grateful to the schools across the country who have taken Cliona’s cause onboard and really helped us. We are delighted to be expanding our work through our new School Engagement Programme which will include an annual trip to the Camino with Transition Year students.

Sadly missed by his loving & heartbroken parents Seamus & Maeve, sister Julia, brother Jack, grandparents and a large extended family & circle of friends & neighbours.

Padraig was an unbelievable young boy who along with his wonderful family, we were privileged to get to know over the past few years as they travelled on a journey of ups and downs since his diagnosis in 2016.

We will take part (limited places) in a fundraising journey to the Camino Santiago travelling in June 2023. Transition year students can sign up to join us for a 6-night adventure, walking together, in solidarity with the thousands of families in Ireland who are caring for a child with a life limiting illness. So far, we have visited 18 schools all over Ireland and we are delighted to have over 36 students from several schools all signed up to walk with purpose this coming June on a life changing journey along the Camino.

The aim of this journey is to engage and create youth ambassadors for Cliona’s cause and fundraise vital funds. Having been involved in working with young people in this way before we know that a journey such as this will grow and nurture our young people into communicative, compassionate and collaborative contributors to our communities, today and in the future.

As a family unit they really touched us with their love, strength, bravery, compassion and despite everything they were going through their desire & willingness to raise awareness of what they and

For more information about our schools engagement programme, please get in touch with charlotte@clionas.ie

The Difference your Support makes to our Families

The feedback, cards, calls & emails we receive from families reinforces to us the need and the impact of the support they have received. It is important for us to share some of these with you so you can see the difference your donation makes.

The Hidden Cost of Hospital Car Parking for Families

The findings of our report “ Too Dear to Visit “ on the substantial non-medical costs of having a sick child were further reinforced in a report published by the Irish Cancer Society in 2022 . Their report highlighted once again how the costs of attending hospital appointments can accumulate quickly; for families attending appointments, they often need to pay for private transport, fuel, accommodation and food before even arriving at the appointment itself. One of the most unjustifiable expenses alongside these other costs is the charges families pay for car parking. It is not the first expense that comes to mind, but it quickly takes a toll on families who are already struggling to make ends meet.

barriers

the country do offer parking concessions, there is

acknowledge the financial burden faced by families

Alongside the issue of pricing, there are other barriers in place for families, such as transparency of car parking charges, and how to access any available concessions. While some hospitals across the country do offer parking concessions, there is a lack of consistency and no standard approach. The Government have recently taken steps to acknowledge the financial burden faced by families with sick children – moves to eliminate children’s hospital charges, reductions in the maximum monthly threshold for the drugs payment scheme and the proposed expansion of access to free GP care are welcome. These measures do not go far enough, however, to reduce the unjust burden on families –it is now time for a decisive next step through the elimination of parking charges for families with children in hospital.

children hospital

The average cost to park a car in a public hospital for patients at hospitals caring for children and young people is €2.91 per hour and €6.24 per 4 hours. There is evidence of good practice where hospitals offer free car parking to some families of children and young people in hospital. Even when 14 out of 22 hospitals offer free parking or concessions, families still report high car parking charges across the country. The vast majority offer concessions or free car parking for young cancer patients attending appointments.

Gaelcholáiste Luimnigh

Raise Monies as Part of Active Schools Flag Programme

Cliona’s CEO Makes Return to Receive Funds

It was back to school for our CEO Brendan Ring when he was delighted to visit his Alma Mater St Munchin’s College to accept a donation of €2,700 from 5th Year LCA Students, their teacher Jason O’Brien & Principal David Quilter.

We visited Gaelcholáiste Luimnigh in November to receive a cheque from monies that were raised as part of their Active Schools Flag Programme. First year and TY students organised this fundraiser.

Cliona’s in Attendance at the Transition Year Show 2022

In November, we had a great day at the Transition Year Show 2022 on the Sport Ireland Campus sharing Cliona’s story and our Schools Engagement Programme with many wonderful students, teachers and the fantastic Olympian Sarah Lavin.

The students organised a fantastic Halloween 5Km Fun Run with 1st, 2nd & 3rd years participating and donating to Cliona’s.

Schools Bake for Cliona’s

Well done to the fantastic duo of Ella & Aoife from Laurel Hill Secondary School who have signed up to the Camino for Cliona’s next June and kickstarted their fundraising efforts with a bang in December with a bake sale and activities in Na Piarsaigh GAA.

The fantastic crew in Class 3A in Presentation Secondary School, Listowel also did a bake sale for Cliona’s in December.

St Munchins

Gaelcholaiste Luimnigh

Presentation Secondary School, Listowel

Laurel Hill Secondary School

Charlotte speaking at TY show

“Rory” Flies Off the Shelves in Dunnes Stores

In the month of November, “Rory” was launched. The owl plush toy landed in Dunnes Stores nationwide following a close collaboration between Dunnes Stores and Cliona’s which saw Dunnes Stores input on design, and then develop and ship this wonderful soft toy to their shelves just in time for Christmas. Thanks to their support & generosity 100% of the proceeds go directly to Cliona’s.

The Owl’s eyes can be used as a tool to teach children to focus on deep belly breathing before sleep. This can be a skill for life; potentially giving children a tool to help manage anxiety both now and as adults. Cliona’s Foundation exists to help families, so there is a deep connection between the idea of Rory and the families Cliona’s work with.

Christmas Campaign 2023

Cliona’s Christmas Campaign for 2022 included three key fundraisers to help raise funds for families in need. This campaign spread a clear message

“Give a Gift that REALLY Matters”.

Noel Completes Swims for Cliona’s

Noel Donnellan completed his fourth and final open water swim in aid of Cliona’s to help raise funds for families in September. Noel swam in 4 different locations (Lough Cutra, Lough Derg, Youghal Beach and Killary Fjord), while also raising over €1,000!

We are delighted television presenter & business owner, Suzanne Jackson came onboard to be the Official Ambassador for Rory. She recorded the Rory guided meditation which can be listened to and downloaded and will go ‘hand in hand’ with the Owl and teach the breathing technique.

As Rory flew off the shelves, we were inundated with the most wonderful pictures of Rory in houses all over the country along with special appearances of Rory on the Late Late Show Toy set and in Croke Park. Rory is still available to purchase online for home delivery or click and collect on the Dunnes Stores website.

Steve Goes Out on Patrol in the Kerry Ultra-Light Race

We were delighted to catch up with Garda Steve Aherne in Henry Street GS in September to accept the fantastic monies raised through his participation in the Kerry Ultra-Light Race.

58km from Sneem to Killarney across a mixed terrain in torrential rain for 7 hours.

Very grateful to Steve and to everyone who supported his amazing efforts.

Paul Completes 200km for Cliona’s

Well done and a huge thank you to Paul Ryan who completed 200km during the month of September and raised €1,000 for Cliona’s. Paul only took up running during COVID so this was a wonderful achievement and a big commitment for him.

Suzanne Jackson holding Rory

Rory making an appearance on the Late Late Toy Show and Croke Park

Steve Aherne – Kerry Ultra-Light Race

Noel Donnellan

Paul Ryan 200km Challenge

Harbourvest Walk for Cliona’s

Harbourvest, a company based in Dublin, did a 6km walk at the start of October. The event was hosted by LikeACoffee with all proceeds raised going to Cliona’s.

Cliona’s Receive Generous Donation from Amazon

We were delighted to be a beneficiary of a €5,000 donation from Darragh Kelly and his team in the newly opened Amazon fulfilment centre in Dublin. Cliona’s were one of 4 charities chosen to share a €20,000 donation.

Pierse Motor Group Raise Funds for Cliona’s

In December, we were delighted to receive funds from Pierse Motor Group, who hosted a Christmas jumper day in all their locations to help raise funds for families in need. The initiative took place in Ennis, Tipperary and Limerick.

Limerick Greyhound Stadium Provide Donation to Cliona’s

We were delighted to receive a €500 donation from the Limerick Greyhound Stadium just before Christmas. Cliona’s and 5 other charities were allocated a greyhound in the final of the Ledger, that took place on the 18th of December. The dog that won the race received a €5,000 donation for the charity linked to the dog, while the other 5 charities received a €500 donation each. Thank you to the Limerick Greyhound Stadium for this fantastic support!

Fiserv Help Families in Need for a 4th Year in a Row

Fiserv and their staff supported Cliona’s through matching staff donations and numerous fundraising events throughout the year with a cheque for over €5,000 being handed over at their Christmas Town Hall.

Cliona’s Awarded Analog Devices Donation

Cliona’s were 1 of 39 educational, charitable and cultural organisations that received financial donations totalling €100,000 from Analog Devices International (ADI) as part of its Annual Community Awards and Charitable Donations Programme.

The Return of Give a Gift for Cliona’s Raises Vital Funds for Families in Need

The fundraiser “Give a Gift for Cliona’s” was launched for the second year in a row as part of our Christmas Campaign. This initiative was an exclusive way for people to buy unique experiences and other gifts for themselves, their family, friends or colleagues for Christmas and at the same time supporting Cliona’s as part of our Christmas campaign to help raise funds to support families with seriously sick children. This event offered the opportunity for people to get their hands on “money can’t buy experiences” and other experiences, packages and gifts.

Some of the items/packages on offer included hotel giveaways, flights to multiple locations, signed jerseys, sporting packages, vouchers and much more. We were delighted to raise over €5,000 from this fundraiser and thank everyone for their support!

Limerick Greyhound Stadium Fundraiser

Fiserv Support

Analog Devices Donation

Amazon Donation

Pierse Motors

Limerick to Lourdes Cyclists Power Through for Cliona’s

What a very special crew and what an amazing amount of money raised for us and the Limerick Lourdes Invalid fund from the Limerick Lourdes Charity Cycle which took place in June. Cliona loved Lourdes which makes this extra special. Thank you to all the cyclists, back up team, sponsors and those who supported all this groups fundraising events!

Scoil Naomh Muire, Askeaton Host Spooky Fundraiser

Darren had to opportunity to go back to his old primary school in Askeaton, Limerick where the pupils handed over the proceeds from their Halloween fundraiser.

Can your Company make a Difference?

Could your workplace help? Cliona’s are looking for businesses and corporates to build new partnerships to support families all over Ireland who are in a crisis right now.

Dublin City Marathon Participants Fly the Flag for Cliona’s

A snapshot of just some of the wonderful & inspiring people that flew the flag for us in the Irish Life Dublin Marathon on Sunday 30th October, completing 26.2 miles for families that are caring for a sick child.

Thank you to all of them for having us on their marathon journey and to all of those that supported their fundraising efforts but also supported them on route with the words of encouragement that helped carry them to the finish line.

Sponsor a family/families: We currently provide each family who meet our criteria with a payment of €2500. A company could opt to donate to support one or multiple family applications.

Partner with Cliona’s: Become a charity partner for a year or longer and work with us to improve the daily lives of struggling families while also benefitting from cause related marketing.

Employee Volunteering: We organise a diverse set of events for anyone willing to get involved. Employee Fundraising: A company can choose to organise an event in aid of Cliona’s or set up a matched/payroll giving system.

Share skillsets with Cliona’s: Companies and employees can donate their skills or services to benefit the families we support. Sponsor or support a Cliona’s event: Work with us on a networking breakfast, lunch or gala dinner.

Contact Charlotte at charlotte@clionas.ie to chat about how we can work together.

Boher Community Cycle Team Continue to Support Cliona’s

We were delighted to be presented with a cheque of over €5,000 by the Boher Community Cycle team. The cycle took place in June.

4 x 4 x 48 for Cliona’s

Alan, Jacob and Cathal did a 4 x 4 x 48 (walk/run 4 miles every 4 hours for 48 hours) to fundraise for Cliona’s. They raised over €1,000 for families in need.

Freeze for Families

Dan Glynn of Dan Glynn Coaching organised a swim in Bettystown Beach a week before Christmas raising an incredible €4,135!

Cook Mini Marathon is a Success for Cliona’s

We had a number of people flying the flag for Cliona’s at the Cook Mini Marathon. The event took place on Sunday 25th September which started at the University Limerick Sports Arena.

Are you a Family that will Share your Experience?

It can be very difficult for people to understand the struggles that a family of a seriously sick child has on a daily basis, the enormous financial cost of caring for their child, the lack of support and how the support from Cliona’s can make a difference. For many families it is a very personal and private matter, not even disclosed to their family or closest friends and we always respect this privacy. There are many of the 1,160 families that we have supported over the last 14 years that have very generously shared their story in public, to raise awareness and to generate support for Cliona’s. We are always so grateful to them. If you are a family that have received support and would be willing to share your journey we would love to hear from you. Contact us by email info@clionas.ie

A Gift in your Will to Cliona’s

Making a Will is one of the most important things you can do for your family – and for the causes you love, including Ireland’s sick children and their families.

The culture of leaving a gift in your will to a favourite charity is quite new in Ireland. Only 34% of people have made a will & those that have don’t realise that they can give money to charities in this way.

We understand that you will want to ensure you take care of your family as a priority, but it’s also a tremendous opportunity to help make a long lasting difference to charities and the invaluable work they do.

A gift no matter how small or large can have a huge impact on the lives of the many families of children with a life limiting illness that are struggling to deal with the nonmedical costs of caring for their child over a long period of time. The financial stress of caring for a sick child is one that no family should have to endure. Your gift can help relieve this stress and allow them to focus on the most important thing – caring for their child. If you require any further information or assistance please contact us.

Support Cliona’s with your One4all card

Have you a One4all card with a balance left on it, or undecided what you might want to use your card for? You can now donate the balance or an amount from your gift card to Cliona’s online or use it to purchase any of the items on our online shop. If you want you can send us your card and we can process it or call us to make the donation over the phone.

Upcoming events & initiatives you can support

Berlin and Dublin City Marathon

Cliona’s have secured a number of slots for both of these major marathon events and if interested please contact phil@clionas.ie

Inaugural Cliona’s Christmas Ball

We are looking for a sponsor for the Inaugural Cliona’s Christmas Ball that will be taking place in Dublin.

The sponsorship could be for the overall event or for certain elements of the event – wine, venue, auction items etc. Please email info@clionas.ie if you are interested in getting involved.

Put Cliona’s on your wedding list

Are you planning for your wedding? Are you considering little gifts or wedding favours to place at the table for your guests? Why not consider substituting these gifts with a donation to Cliona’s instead. We can design and provide you with a personalised card to place on the table which advises that you are donating to the Charity.

You will be making a real difference and it’s a very special gift that all your guests will appreciate.

The Third Annual 2023 Inter-Firm Charity Race Day

Would you like to sponsor one of seven races at our event in 2023? If you are a corporate that would like to get your name on one of the races, here is what would be included;

• 1 x sign on Track 16×4 feet

• 1 x sign in Parade ring 8×3 feet

• Full Page Advert in Race Card 14.8 x 21cm

• Track and Parade ring signage will remain in place for the remainder of the year, not just the race day itself

• Corporate ticket for race day also included

If you would like to sponsor a race, please contact darren@clionas.ie

Give a Gift for Cliona’s 2023

“Give a Gift for Cliona’s” will return for a third year in 2023 to occur over the Christmas period. This initiative is an exclusive way for people to buy unique experiences and other gifts for themselves, their family, friends or colleagues for Christmas and at the same time supporting Cliona’s as part of our Christmas campaign to help raise funds to support families with seriously sick children. This event offers the opportunity for you to get your hands on “money can’t buy experiences” and other experiences, packages and gifts.

All experiences will be displayed on the “Give a Gift for Cliona’s” website from which people can choose to either purchase raffle tickets or bid on auction items. Both the raffle will take place and bidding will close in advance of Christmas, making them the perfect Christmas gifts.

We are looking for prizes donated by you to help raise funds for families in need over Christmas. The packages could include anything from “money can’t buy experiences” and other offerings such as holidays, hotel giveaways, recreational activities, signed jerseys, memorabilia etc.

families

If you can help in any way, please contact: darren@clionas.ie

How you can help us help families

Champion Cliona’s Foundation in your Company

Many Companies are becoming increasingly aware of the CSR ( Corporate Social Responsibility) and are looking at opportunities to support and encourage their employees to become involved in helping out charities If your Company is looking for nominations for their Charity Partner of the Year it would be great if you could keep Cliona’s Foundation in mind.

You could also encourage your Sports & Social Club to run an event for Cliona’s

You could even encourage your colleagues to participate in one of the many independent events organised throughout the year (hoping that they will all be running in some format) as a fun but rewarding team bonding and building exercise.

Donate to Cliona’s Foundation through your Company’s online donation Platform

Many multinationals including Dell, Apple, Regeneron have charity giving platforms for their staff and will match what you donate to a registered charity.

Get the kids in School giving for other kids

As a teacher in a primary or secondary school why not encourage events and fun days where the pupils can contribute to Cliona’s Foundation. Could be a cake sale, colours day, sports day, donate % of communion or confirmation monies. Get transition years participating in events where they can represent a charity and also introduce a TY Charity Programme where students learn about the work & impact of different charities.

Get Family and Friends involved

Organise a fundraising event with your family members - it could be a walk, a virtual table quiz a birthday giving initiative, a wardrobe clear out sale. You might even decide to jump from a plane!!

Place one of our collection boxes in your shop, office or home.

You can create a fundraising page or even create a fundraiser through your facebook page with all donations coming directly to Cliona’s – no need for you to handle cash.

Monthly Standing Order

Recurring donations would make a huge difference to our families. It is very easy to sign up online on our website to make a monthly donation.

Donate online on our website or by calling the office on 061 - 331333

Tax relief available on all donations in excess of €250 per annum

Participate in one of the many independent events to challenge yourself and raise funds for Cliona’s Foundation or even just raise our profile by wearing our branded T shirt for the event.

Events continue to be Virtual but that does not have to stop you from playing your part.