Cork charities set to benefit from fundraising efforts of airport staff

Three local charities have been selected to benefit from the fundraising efforts of the staff at Cork and Dublin Airports for 2025.

Selected by DAA employees, the three charities to support over the coming 12 months are Good Shepherd Cork, Little Blue Heroes, and Critical. 

The ‘charities of the year’ initiative has raised a total of €4.2m over the years and, last year, raised €500,000 for the chosen charities which included a match donation of €250,000 from DAA.

Admiration

DAA chief executive Kenny Jacobs expressed his admiration for the fundraising efforts of the company’s employees and confirmed the money raised by the initiative would again be matched by the company: “I am continually blown away by the fundraising efforts of DAA staff who every year dream up fun and innovative ways to raise money for great causes.

“The money raised, combined with generous donations from passengers in our airports, makes a huge difference to peoples’ lives all around Ireland and I’m delighted to see that this will continue in 2025 with the selection of these three great charities.”

Good Shepherd Cork is a homeless shelter that provides emergency accommodation for women and children. Their mission is to provide a safe and supportive environment for those in need, helping them to rebuild their lives and regain independence.

The charity’s volunteer and event co-ordinator, Claire Harrington said the group was delighted to be chosen as one of the benefiting charities. “We are really looking forward to the year ahead and working closely with everyone at DAA.”

Little Blue Heroes supports families of children with serious illnesses in Ireland while empowering the lives of children through community engagement. The foundation works closely with An Garda Síochána to create a special moments and lasting moments for these brave children and their families.

Gratitude

Karl Heller, chairperson, Little Blue Heroes, expressed the gratitude of the charity after being informed of its selection as a beneficiary.

The third charity to be selected is Critical, the volunteer emergency medical responding team which provides pre-hospital emergency help throughout communities across Ireland. Their dedicated volunteers are often the first on the scene, delivering life-saving care and support to victims of road traffic accidents or those who have had a sudden onset of illness.

Zoe Gallagher, corporate fundraising officer of Critical, said this recognition meant a great deal to them.