Irish Life staff charities 2024

Every year Irish Life employees raise funds for two chosen charities. Started in 1995, Staff Charities and their employees have raised a total of €5 million.  As well as annual fundraising events and taking part in MyLife challenges, 1,000 Irish Life employees donate via salary deduction every month. It's uplifting to witness organisations stepping up to make a real difference and collaborating with local charities chosen by their own team members. The collaboration between Irish Life staff and The Down Syndrome Centre North East in 2024 also showcased the incredible impact committed individuals can have when they work together for a meaningful cause. This partnership highlighted the power of community, and we are so grateful for their dedication and generosity.

At the end of 2024 DSCNE were invited to the Irish Life Season for Giving event held in the Dundalk offices, as well as live streaming from the Dublin office event, and many employees logged in remotely from wherever in the world they might have been located. We heard from numerous speakers and committees about the work and progress in Irish Life over 2024 and given the amazing news, that each of the staff charity partners would receive a cheque for €280,000!

A Heartfelt Commitment to Community

Irish Life has a long-standing commitment to social responsibility, positively affecting various communities across Ireland. Their partnership with The Down Syndrome Centre North East and the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association last year raised awareness and funds for vital services for both charities that cater not just for individuals, but their families also.

Consider this: in Ireland, there are over 7,000 people with Down syndrome, and many families rely on specialised programs for support. The Down Syndrome Centre North East offers essential resources like speech therapy, occupational therapy, and educational support. By joining forces with DSCNE, Irish Life staff helped transform lives and promote inclusivity.

Engaging Staff in Meaningful Ways

One highlight of this partnership is how Irish Life staff enthusiastically embraced various initiatives to support the cause. From charity walks to bake sales, employees were infused with creativity and energy. This is more than an act of goodwill; it reflects a movement powered by genuine care.

For instance, one event saw nearly 100 employees participate in a sponsored walk, raising over €5,000. Other initiatives, like themed bake sales, brought in more than €2,000, showcasing the dedication of the team and how collaborative efforts lead to substantial outcomes.

The Power of Awareness

While fundraising is crucial, raising awareness about Down syndrome is equally important. Irish Life staff took proactive steps to educate their coworkers and the community by inviting DSCNE in to their Dundalk offices on several occasions. By sharing personal stories and experiences, they have amplified understanding and brought attention to the capabilities of individuals with Down syndrome.

Celebrating Achievements Together

As the year unfolded, Irish Life staff witnessed significant achievements from their hard work. The partnership has resulted in increased funds for the Down Syndrome Centre North East, leading to better community engagement. Celebrating these strides is essential in acknowledging collective efforts and the positive impact achieved.

To honor the collaboration, members of the Dundalk Staff charity team were invited for a tour and coffee morning, where we unveiled our new "Irish Life purple" room. We wanted Irish Life to truly see how appreciated their efforts have been.

Building Long-lasting Relationships

This partnership is not a short-lived event; it represents a commitment to forging lasting relationships that extend beyond 2024. The bonds formed between Irish Life staff and The Down Syndrome Centre North East are invaluable, promoting teamwork and collaboration that will endure. We hope that employees can direct any friends or families to DSCNE if they were to need support, as well as promoting worthwhile volunteering experiences to staff members. The inspiring actions of the Irish Life staff reminded us that generosity has the power to transform communities.

Celebrating Collective Efforts

In a time when every act of kindness matters, the partnership between Irish Life staff and The Down Syndrome Centre North East exemplified the profound impact of community spirit. Their innovative fundraising efforts, commitment to raising awareness, and dedication to building lasting relationships is truly commendable.

As we reflect on the remarkable journey, we draw inspiration from their actions. Together, we can support and uplift one another while working towards a brighter, more inclusive future. Thank you, Irish Life staff, for your incredible generosity and your commitment to making a meaningful difference, one step (or bake sale!) at a time.