Early Childhood Ireland have announced the recipients of the National Pyjama Day Fund 2019. A total of five charities will benefit from grants from the Fund, which this year amounts to €280,000.
The Fund was launched with a special event at the Central Remedial Clinic in Clontarf on Monday, 9th December. Early Childhood Ireland CEO Teresa Heeney was joined by Chief Executive of The Community Foundation for Ireland, Tina Roche, and representatives from each of the five recipient charities:
- AsIAm
- ReCreate
- Central Remedial Clinic
- Respond Housing Association
- Disability Equality Specialist Support Agency (DESSA)
Over 65,000 children at 1,300 settings around Ireland participated in this year’s National Pyjama Day celebrations on Friday 10 May. The event is the biggest fundraising date in the Irish early years calendar and each year raises much-needed funds for charities that support children with additional needs. Now in its sixteenth year, it has to date raised over €3 million.
Speaking at the launch, Ms. Heeney commented, ‘Early Childhood Ireland’s National Pyjama Day is a very special event. It is one of the most exciting dates in our members’ diaries each year and one eagerly anticipated by children, families, and staff alike.’
She continued, ‘National Pyjama Day is a unique occasion that celebrates children helping children and having fun. All over the country, children and staff don their favourite PJs and take part in storytelling, pillow fights, bear hunts, and many more fun activities during the day. We are so very grateful to everyone who took part this year and helped to raise such a fantastic amount for children with additional needs. My warmest congratulations to all of the recipient charities!’
Early Childhood Ireland is supported by The Community Foundation for Ireland in the administration of the National Pyjama Day Fund. Commenting at this year’s launch, Chief Executive Ms. Roche said, ‘This is the third year we have worked with Early Childhood Ireland on the National Pyjama Day Fund and it is amazing to see the initiative going from strength to strength. We would like to congratulate the five worthy grant recipients and look forward to seeing the impact of their work.’