Charities in plea over SSIA donations
Ireland’s four largest charities for sick children joined forces today to appeal to the 1.1 million Irish SSIA account holders to donate some of their cash windfall.
The Little Star Fund sees Barretstown, Our Lady’s Hospital For Children, Crumlin, Temple Street Children’s University Hospital and The National Children’s Hospital, Tallaght, come together for the first time for a once-off joint call for donations.
Conor Byrne, a spokesman for the Little Star Fund, said the appeal marked an opportunity for people in Ireland to demonstrate that the Celtic Tiger has not robbed them of their ability to give generously when asked.
“Irish people have traditionally been very generous over the years and the Little Star Fund is asking for a similar display of generosity this time,” he said.
“No gift is too small and any size of donation will go towards helping thousands of sick children and their families around the country.
“The average SSIA payout is estimated at 13,800 euro (£9,500) and a 1% donation equates to 138 euro (£95).
“However, we are keen to stress that we don’t want all your SSIA money, just a very small percentage or just a few euro.
“We acknowledge that people have saved hard for five years and are entitled to spend the bulk of their money how they wish.”
Radio and television presenter Ray D’Arcy, who helped launch the fund with four ‘Little Stars’ who represented the four national children’s charities, called it an excellent idea.
“Irish people are being subjected every day to a barrage of information about what they should spend their SSIA cash on but little yet has been said about using it to help others,” he said.
“Donating even a small amount of our windfall can assist the Little Star Fund raise money to help the seriously ill children in Ireland.”
It is estimated that €15bn in cash will enter the economy over the next 12 months.
The campaign is asking SSIA holders to consider donating a very small amount of their cash windfall to the Little Star Fund to help over 250,000 seriously ill children in Ireland.
Donations can be made via the charity’s website, www.littlestarfund.ie, or by visiting any AIB branch or post office, by telephone banking, or by posting a cheque to PO Box 10481 Dublin 12.
