Building on a decade long legacy of giving and community, Microsoft Ireland employees have once again completed their annual charity cycle along the Wild Atlantic Way, raising over €296,000 this year for LauraLynn, Ireland’s only children’s hospice.
Now in its 11th year, the annual fundraising challenge brought together 105 cyclists and support crew who over the course of three days undertook a 360-kilometre journey from Ballina, Co. Mayo, to Letterkenny, Co. Donegal.
Since its launch in 2014 with just 10 participants, the Microsoft Ireland annual charity cycle has raised over €1.4 million for LauraLynn. The vital funds help to support LauraLynn’s work in providing palliative care and support to children with life-limiting conditions and their families. This includes expanding the reach of services LauraLynn offers, including symptom management, planned short breaks, emergency and end-of-life care, crisis care and bereavement support.
In more recent years, this expansion has seen LauraLynn’s hospice care being provided to children and their families in their own home. LauraLynn has added two new community teams in Cork and Galway, and it has been able to extend the reach of the Dublin team throughout the greater Leinster region. In 2024 LauraLynn provided 2,471 community visits across the country.
For this last cycle the Microsoft team set out with an ambitious goal of raising €100,000 but proudly exceeded it due to the team’s deep commitment to the hundreds of families who benefit from LauraLynn’s services.
James O’Connor, Microsoft Ireland Site Leader, and Corporate Vice President of Microsoft Global Operations Service Centre said: “The Microsoft Ireland team and giving spirit consistently go above and beyond for LauraLynn, one of our closest neighbours to our campus in Leopardstown, and this year has been no exception. Our team of cyclists and volunteers have cycled more than 4,400kms over the past 11 years, raising over €1.4m over that period. The annual cycle is Microsoft’s way of recognising the vital work undertaken by this very special charity. With more than 600 families relying on LauraLynn’s care across Ireland, the additional funds raised this year – more than €296,000 – will go directly towards expanding services for the increasing number of children and families seeking support.”
Kerry McLaverty, CEO of LauraLynn, commented: “The unwavering commitment and generosity shown by the Microsoft Ireland team year in and year out is incredible. The long-term support provided by their employees has helped us to make a lasting impact over the past decade and the funds raised this year will allow us to continue to meet the needs of children and families who avail our services and activities across the country including in newly expanded areas like the West, Northwest, and Midlands. Dedicated corporate supporters like Microsoft are central to our ability to grow and enhance our services year after year, supporting more and more children and their families across Ireland.”
In addition to Microsoft Ireland’s annual fundraising cycle, Microsoft also donates software and provides training to the charity, and Microsoft employees regularly volunteer their time at LauraLynn House, lending support to the hospice and its mission to improve the quality of life for children with life-limiting conditions.
To learn more about LauraLynn please visit: https://www.lauralynn.ie/
