Three Carlow charities awarded funding through Aldi's national Community Grants programme

Three Carlow charities and community groups have become the latest beneficiaries of Aldi's Community Grants programme in recognition of their valuable contribution across the county.

Community Connect, Éist Cancer Support Centre and St Patrick’s National School Ballymurphy have each received €500 in Aldi gift cards which have been donated by local Aldi employees in Carlow as part of the retailer's ongoing support initiative for communities nationwide.

The ALDI Community Grants programme helps fund local charities and community organisations that contribute vital work and a wide range of services – from supporting mental health and disability services to helping animal shelters, youth clubs, cancer supports and more.

Members of Community Connect

The recipients were nominated by ALDI Carlow team members, ensuring that the causes supported by the programme are meaningful to and directly benefit the communities where the employees live and work.

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Since launching the annual Community Grants programme in 2016, ALDI has committed €844,500 in donations to support more than 1,000 local charity branches and community groups across Ireland.

Community Connect, one of the local charities chosen, is Ireland’s national Baby Bank – a registered charity dedicated to providing practical support to vulnerable pregnant mothers and parents with small babies, who are struggling to provide for their children.

Members of Community Connect

Their hubs across Ireland receive donations of essential items for babies and children and pass them on for free, from one family to another. They also provide essential hygiene supplies, starter packs and hospital bags. This offers crucial support to mothers, and ensures their young children have the essentials they need to thrive.

Commenting on the grant support, CEO of Community Connect Elaine Noonan said: "We are delighted to have been selected by ALDI staff across the country to help us make a real difference to the lives of parents and infants. The support from ALDI will enable us to reach even more vulnerable families, providing the baby clothing, equipment and hygiene essentials they need to welcome their little ones into the world with love and dignity."