Category: #charity

Microsoft employees charity cycle raises over €300,000 for LauraLynn

Microsoft Ireland employees have completed the final 360km stretch of the Wild Atlantic Way as part of their annual charity cycle, raising more than €300,000 – the most they’ve ever raised in a single year – in support of LauraLynn, Ireland’s only children’s hospice.

The charity cycle, which began in 2014 with just 10 cyclists, has grown into a major annual fundraising event. This year, 100 cyclists and support crew took on the three-day and 360kms cycling challenge from Letterkenny to Buncrana, County Donegal, battling wet weather, steep climbs, and winding roads – all in the name of supporting children with life-limiting conditions and their families.

Over the course of the last 12 years, the Microsoft team have raised more than €1.7 million for LauraLynn, having cycled more than 4,560km.‌‌ The funds raised go directly to LauraLynn to help provide care in the Hospice, symptom management, short breaks, emergency and end-of-life care, as well as family supports and bereavement care to children with life-limiting conditions and their family units across Ireland.

In 2024 alone, LauraLynn supported 670 families across Ireland, with 119 new referrals accepted to its hospice service providing 1,677 nights of care to those who need it.

This year’s cycle is particularly significant as it coincides with Microsoft’s 40th anniversary in Ireland, reflecting the long-standing commitment of its employees to giving back and making a meaningful impact in their local communities.

James O’Connor, Site Lead at Microsoft Ireland and Corporate Vice President Microsoft Global Operations Service Centre, said: “We are so proud of our employees and supporters who continue to give their time, energy, and resources to the annual charity cycle. Completing the Wild Atlantic Way this year is a remarkable achievement and a fitting way to mark 40 years of Microsoft in Ireland, supporting NGOs and the communities we operate in.

“LauraLynn is a close neighbour and a cause that is very close to our hearts. We are continually inspired by the incredible work they do to provide care, comfort, and support to children with life-limiting conditions and their families. Taking part in this cycle allows our employees to give back in a meaningful way and support the important work undertaken by the LauraLynn team. To have raised €305,923 by way of this year’s cycle and €1,742,091 since the cycle began is truly an incredible achievement.”

Kerry McLaverty, Chief Executive at LauraLynn, added: “Every year, the Microsoft Ireland team shows up not just with bikes and gear, but with compassion and care. What they’ve achieved through wind, rain, and relentless hills is nothing short of inspiring. This year was especially meaningful, marking the final leg of their journey along the Wild Atlantic Way, a challenge they’ve taken on piece by piece over six years. Their commitment goes far beyond fundraising; it’s a message to the children and families we support that there is a huge community standing with them. This partnership is built on something special. A huge congratulations to everyone who took part.”

To learn more about LauraLynn, visit: https://www.lauralynn.ie/.

VALORANT and GaGod team up for Make-A-Wish UK

Riot Games is proud to announce an upcoming charity stream with content creator Aaron “GaGod” Storey to celebrate the launch of VALORANT on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series S|X in aid of Make-a-Wish UK. The stream, which will take place on October 29th at 13:00 GMT, will feature raffles of exclusive Riot prizes, including a custom painted Xbox Series X by artist CamCreates which resembles the VALORANT spike, Killjoy and Reyna figurines, and Real Life Gun Buddies alongside a whole host of other Riot Games goodies.
The stream aims to raise funds to grant once-in-a-lifetime wishes to children and young people living with a critical condition for Make-a-Wish UK, and we’re excited to confirm that Riot Games will be matching donations up to £5000 in aid of Make-a-Wish UK’s important work.
“We’re incredibly grateful to Riot Games for their phenomenal support through the charity stream and raffle in aid of Make-A-Wish UK,” said Jason Suckley, Chief Executive at Make-A-Wish UK.
“Every child deserves to wish for more than a life defined by illness. Gaming is a lifeline for children undergoing treatment and unable to attend school or clubs with their friends. It allows children to leave behind the everyday realities of their condition, bringing entertainment, connection and achievement into their lives. A growing number of our wishes are gaming focused, and we know these gaming related wishes have a hugely positive impact on improving a young person’s mental health at a time when they need it the most.”
“The generous support we’ve received from Riot Games will help us to grant even more wishes, sooner.”
Riot Games has donated the following prizes, which will be raffled on October 29th during the live stream at https://www.twitch.tv/GaGod.
  • 1x Custom Painted Spike Xbox
  • 2 x VALORANT Official Figurines
  • 1x Killjoy
  • 1x Reyna
  • 5x VALORANT Gun buddy starter set
  • 10x VALORANT Official Plushies
  • 5x Dan the Penguin
  • 5x Tactibunny
All proceeds will go towards providing once-in-a-lifetime experiences for critically ill young people across the UK.

Barnardos calls on the public to support its Giving Day on Friday 22nd September

Barnardos children’s charity is calling on the public to donate what they can this Giving Day on Friday 22nd September, kindly supported by Dell Technologies.

Barnardos has supported children at the heart of disadvantaged communities across Ireland for over 60 years. They know that the longer a child spends living in deprivation and coping with childhood trauma, the greater an impact it can have on the child’s future. The team at Barnardos have seen first-hand how families are struggling to cope, with many cutting back or going without heat, electricity, food and medicine. Demand for Barnardos’ services has never been greater, and the acute need for support is growing every week.

Barnardos works with children affected by childhood trauma such as domestic violence, child abuse or neglect, children whose parents are suffering from mental health issues; separation; bereavement and the impact of parental addiction. They provide both practical support such as food and fuel vouchers and basic essentials, as well as vital emotional and therapeutic family support. Barnardos are asking for public donations today Barnardos Giving Day, to enable them to be there for every child and family that needs help.

How donations help

  • €10 provides a child with a nutritious breakfast for one week at a Barnardos Breakfast Club
  • €30 helps children and families attending Barnardos’ services to have access to all the basic essentials and toiletries they need to stay clean and healthy
  • €100 provides 10 hours learning support for a child to help their reading, writing and communication as they start school

Mary Gamble Barnardos Director of Fundraising said: “Barnardos is concerned that cost of living increases is putting more children at risk of deprivation and negatively affecting their health, wellbeing and development. Our staff across the country are reporting a substantial increase in demand as a result.  The public’s support on our Giving Day helps ensure Barnardos can be there for vulnerable children to help them achieve their full potential. At Barnardos we believe childhood lasts a lifetime, so please click and donate what you can today at www.barnardos.ie “.

Sharon Woodcock, Vice President EMEA Real Estate & Facilities and Cherrywood Co-Site Leader, Dell Technologies, said: “Since first joining forces in 2017, we have been amazed by Barnardos’s life changing impact on children and families in communities across Ireland. It has inspired our team members at Dell Technologies, who have used their skills and expertise in the past six years to enhance the charity’s reach. We’re proud to be once again supporting the Barnardos Giving Day. By coming together on Barnardos Giving Day, we want to play our part in helping the children’s charity to continue transforming lives in the communities where we live and work.”

To mark the day itself, Barnardos has teamed up with Ireland’s Classic Hits to spread the word of the children’s charity work and garner support.

Barnardos Giving Day, kindly supported by Dell Technologies, takes place on Friday, 22nd September. Please donate what you can at Barnardos.ie to help ensure that Barnardos can be there for children when they need us most, because childhood lasts a lifetime.

How to support Barnardos Giving Day, kindly supported by Dell Technologies – Friday 22nd September:

@TheLiffeyCycle is a fundraiser for @BUMBLEance by 4th year students @TUDublin_BN #Sports #Charity #Cycling

The Liffey Cycle is a charity event, organised by TU Dublin Blanchardstown Sports Management and Coaching students. The aim of the event is to raise funds for the children’s charity BUMBLEance. The event will take place on the TUD Blanchardstown campus on the 28th March 2020.
The event will consist of participants cycling the length of the River Liffey (125km) in teams of up to four. Teams will compete against each other to cycle the distance on stationary bikes, with the objective of completing the distances in shortest time.
The event will be hosted by four, 4th Year Sports Management and Coaching Students as part of their final year project.
BUMBLEance is the world’s first ambulance service specifically designed and tailored for children. BUMBLEance is the official Children’s National Ambulance Service of Ireland.
They provide safe and comfortable transportation for Ireland’s youngest patients as they travel between their homes and hospitals, hospices, treatment centres, and respite centres nationwide.
The Liffey Cycle appreciate all donations big or small. Every cent donated will help to insure that sick children have a safe and comfortable ride to and from their homes. All donates including spot prizes are welcome and will go towards raffle that will be held on the day of the event.
Darryl Henderson tells us “We decided to run this event as part of our final year project. We are delighted to be able to help such a great charity in BUMBLEance. It is a charity that we believe does great things for children all over the country and we are very proud to be supporting them with this event.”
You can follow their social media on TWITTER   FACEBOOK  INSTAGRAM 
Email is  –  TheLiffeyCycletud@gmail.com
Click the go fund me logo below to donate