Shannon Group staff have come up trumps once again for local charities by presenting a cheque for a total of €47,400 from their fundraising endeavours last year to two organisations that support children in a special way in the region.
The mid-west headquartered Share a Dream Foundation, which has helped make dreams come true for thousands of Irish children, and Clare Crusaders, which provides free therapy and specialist treatment to over 350 children with special needs in County Clare, are the beneficiaries of Shannon Group’s 2018 designated charity programme that engaged thousands of people across the region and beyond in fund raising initiatives.
Staff from Shannon Group companies, Shannon Airport, Shannon Commercial Properties, Shannon Heritage, organised a number of key events that contributed to the fund. Among these were the final runway run, cake sales and, of course, the magical annual Santa Flights that sees thousands of children get free flights – save for the donation to charity – over a two-day period every Christmas to meet Santa in the skies.
Said Shannon Group CEO Matthew Thomas: “Our designated charity programme requires huge commitment from our employees. Each year they go above and beyond to fundraise, dragging themselves out in the cold and rain to participate in, and run, events that have taken place from early morning to late at night.
“They will do it all again this year for another two very worthy charities as they begin the task of raising funds to support their 2019 chosen charities, namely, the Irish Cancer Society and Limerick Suicide Watch.
“Every euro raised comes from their hard work and I want to thank them all for this. The money is going to great causes that really appreciate this effort so this is a really special aspect of what we do at Shannon Group and connects us with special people and charities.”
Speaking at the presentation of the fundraising cheque, Shay Kinsella, Founder of Share a Dream Foundation said: “We are absolutely thrilled with the funds received from Shannon Group this year. As a charity receiving no funds whatsoever from the government or any other source we rely solely on groups like Shannon to ensure our survival. These funds will mean we can create many of the dreams come true for seriously ill children on our list this year. A huge thank you to everyone in Shannon Group for their dedication and commitment in raising much needed funds.”
Welcoming the support from Shannon Group Ann Norton, Managing Director, Clare Crusaders Children’s Clinic: “We are absolutely thrilled with Shannon Groups contribution to our work – their employees have been truly dedicated to supporting us over the past year which is an amazing achievement and to do so on behalf of our children. Clare Crusaders Children’s Clinic has the largest pool of child specific therapists in Ireland outside of state services. The fact that the clinic is managed on a voluntary basis and all funds raised go directly to the children’s services means that the efforts of Shannon Group employees will go directly to those that need it most. Thank you to all the employees for their fantastic effort and enthusiasm.”