Over the last few months a large number of staff in both Dublin and Portlaoise have been hard at work training, organising and participating in a series of different fundraising challenges to raise money for some extremely worthwhile causes.
The series of challenges has seen staff baking, running, cycling and barefoot walking, all in an effort to raise as much money as possible for their chosen charities. A huge congratulations must be given to all those who helped to organise or participated in any of the events, your feats were truly impressive and you each deserve a well–earned rest to recover from your efforts. A big thank you must also be given to all those who donated towards any of the events, your donations have made all the training, hard work and organisation worth it.
For further details and information about the separate fundraising efforts please see the individual reports below.
Great Irish Bake Off
Staff in both Dublin and Portlaoise participated in the annual Great Irish Bake Off in aid of Temple Street Children’s Hospital. Funds raised from the bake off enables the hospital to continue to provide world class care to Ireland’s sickest children, making sure every child gets the future they deserve.
This year the team spent their weekends hard at work baking many mouth–watering and delicious treats for sale. Amongst the delights on offer were Red Velvet Brownies, Butterfly Cupcakes, Gingerbread Men, Banana Bread and Peanut Butter Blondies to name just a few.
Thanks to the efforts of all the bakers, a combined total of €953 was raised between the two offices. A huge thank you must be given to all those bakers who put in a tremendous effort and returned an amazing result on the day and also to all those who purchased any cakes, buns, biscuits or treats. It was great to see staff across both locations getting involved in what turned out to be an extremely successful and fun charity event.
If you want to set your mouth watering at the thought of all those baked goods then check out the images from the event in the gallery below.
Barefoot Walk for Innocence
Caroline Kiely from the Portlaoise team recently took part in the annual Barefoot Walk for Innocence in aid of the Mo Chara Animal Rescue. The Mo Chara Animal Rescue exists to improve the welfare of Irish animals, particularly those that are abused, neglected and abandoned across Co. Tipperary.
The barefoot walk is held every year in memory of Innocence, a foal who was found lying abandoned in a field in Tipperary. The walk is undertaken barefoot to symbolise animals walking on their bare pads and for people to endure a little suffering in memory of any animal that has ever been neglected.
The walk was held in Kilcooley Abbey, Gortnahoe, Co .Tipperary and despite it being a cold day, a crowd of over 150 people showed up to walk barefoot with many accompanied by their four legged friends. As well as the walk, there was a raffle and Easter egg hunt for the children. Thanks to the efforts of all those who took part and helped to raise a fantastic amount of over €4,500. Please check out the gallery below for images from the event.
Charity Cycle for IMNDA
Ed Kelly from the Dublin team recently took part in the biennial charity cycle for the Irish Motor Neuron Disease Association. The IMNDA is the only organisation of its kind which provides care and support to people with Motor Neuron Disease, their families, friends and carers.
The cycle involved a massive 100km cross country journey travelling from Nenagh, Co. Tipperary all the way to Galway City. Conditions this year were extremely challenging compared to previous years with strong winds and high gust making the cycle much more difficult. However, despite the weather all those involved completed the journey a little worse for wear but very happy and proud of their efforts for a wonderful cause.
Ed was able to raise over €300 with many contributions coming from Mallon Technology staff. The funds are still coming in for all the participants so a final figure is not yet known but the event looks set to beat previous years in which over €10,000 has been raised. Check out the gallery below for images from the event.
Darkness into Light for Pieta House
Claire Redmond from the Portlaoise team has recently taken part in a Darkness into Light 5km walk/run to raise money for Pieta House. Pieta House is the centre for the prevention of self–harm or suicide, providing for people in need of their services.
Darkness into Light is run along a 5km route in the early hours of the morning from 4.15am, enabling participants to see the sun rising along their journey, symbolising the hope of a new day and a new beginning. The event this year was held in 80+ locations across the globe, with Claire participating in the Tullamore event.
The Tullamore route featured tea lights along most of the course, helping to guide participants along the way and there was even a surprise performance from the Tullamore Musical Society in the town park. The event managed to bring together over 100,000 people worldwide, a fantastic achievement. Well done to everyone who participated and completed the route.
