Broadcaster, writer and Dancing with the Stars 2018 contestant Maia Dunphy has urged young and old alike across Ireland to donate their change to Childline this month and help the service to change children’s Lives
Childline Change, ISPCC Childline’s annual national fundraising day, will help raise vital funds to keep the service listening to children and young people at every hour of every day and night. The Childline service answers over 380,000 contacts from children and young people across Ireland every year. The service costs €3.5 million to run every year and relies on public and corporate support for over 90 per cent of this funding.
Children call Childline for many reasons – they may feel hurt, scared, lonely or upset, or may simply wish to have someone to speak with. They may feel as though they have no-one who will listen. Childline volunteers are there to listen to, support and empower children and young people who contact the service at all times of the day and night through whichever means they feel most comfortable with – calling or chatting online. Childline lets children know they are important and that they matter. A call to Childline can change a child’s life. Children and young people can contact Childline by calling 1800 66 66 66 or visiting Childline.ie.
Childline Change volunteers will descend upon cities and towns of Ireland to raise funds for the service on May 18th – with the exception of Cork, where Childline Change will take place on Thursday May 17th and Drogheda, where Childline Change will take place on Thursday May 31st. Childline supporters across the country will also have the opportunity to donate by text, online, or by visiting any of the 56 Intersport Elverys stores between May 18th and May 25th to avail of the retailers’ Digital Donation facility. Text CHILDLINE to 50300 to donate €2, or text CHILDHOOD to 50300 to donate €4. Alternatively, visit ispcc.ie/donate to donate online. (Texts cost €2 or €4. ISPCC will receive a minimum of €1.80 or €3.60. Service Provider: LIKECHARITY. Helpline 076 680 5278).
ISPCC CEO Grainia Long said: “ISPCC Childline is urging its supporters across the country to use their change to make a powerful difference this May by donating to ensure Childline is always there for every child and young person in Ireland. You can help change a child’s life by supporting Childline fundraisers collecting in towns and cities, by availing of Intersport Elvery’s Digital Donation facility, or by donating online or by text.
“Childline volunteers answer about 1,000 calls from children and young people every day. Children and young people who contact us may be angry or afraid, they may be anxious or upset, they may have concerns for the future or be distressed in the moment. Many of these children and young people contact us during the night, when others are sound asleep in their beds. Childline volunteers are there for each of them, whatever is on their mind. With your support, we can continue to be there for them 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.”
Maia Dunphy said: “I am delighted to support Childline’s national Childline Change collection day which, with your support, will help raise vital funds to make a difference in the lives of children and young people across Ireland who seek a listening ear. Childline volunteers are an extraordinary group of people who are always there to listen to, support and empower children, whatever may be on their minds. I urge you to help ensure they can continue to be there for children and young people 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, by showing your support for Childline Change this month. Your change can help to change children’s lives.
