In Pictures: Cork children wear their PJs to school for charity

Sun, 24 Nov, 2024 - 09:00

Amy Campbell

More than 5,300 children in 100 early years and school-age care settings across Cork celebrated this year’s National Pyjama Day on Friday.

This is the 21st Annual Pyjama Day, which sees children dress in pyjamas, dressing gowns, and slippers to their settings — which hold activities such as teddy bear picnics and movie screenings.

Lee Herlihy with Mai Long having fun at Horizons Montessori during their 21st Annual Pyjama Day for charity.

Funds raised on National Pyjama Day 2024 will go towards supporting Sensational Kids — an award-winning social enterprise that works with children who have sensory processing challenges — and Early Childhood Ireland’s Eco-Emotions project, which empowers educators and parents with the tools they need to support children in caring for themselves, their communities, and the planet.

Twins Emma and Mai Long with Sophie Newton were in great company during the annual pyjama day.

Since the inaugural National Pyjama Day in 2003, over €4.3m has been raised for a host of charitable causes that support babies and children all over Ireland.

Bringing communities together

Early Childhood Ireland CEO Teresa Heeney said: “National Pyjama Day 2024 brings communities across Ireland together for a great cause for the 21st year in a row, and we are so very grateful to all of our dedicated members in Cork for making it possible.

Sophie Newton and Hailey Cambridge brought their cuddly friends to montessori. Picture Chani Anderson

“Of course, the day itself is all about children helping children.

“We’re delighted to see so many of them celebrate and raise vital funds for two amazing projects.”

“Our Eco-Emotions project and Sensational Kids’ mission will make a real difference in the lives of children, and it’s all down to the funds raised by children in their PJs.

Íde Uí Riain and Arya Cummins chilling out in their pyjamas.

“Every year, we’re blown away by the support of family and friends who donate to this fantastic cause,” she added.

The chief executive of partner organisation Community Foundation Ireland, Denise Charlton, said: “Exciting, passionate, and energetic, Sensational Kids creates lasting memories for children, parents, and early-years professionals.

Dion Alibeaj and Ryan O’Callaghan enjoying Pyjama Day.

“We celebrate the long-standing partnership between Early Childhood Ireland and the Community Foundation through National Pyjama Day.

“We are thrilled to support Sensational Kid’s project to better assist neurodiverse children and those with sensory processing differences, and we wish them every success in their important work ahead.”