Early Christmas present for Waterford-based charity as Tirlán workers raise much-needed funds

Tirlán and its employees completed a number of fundraising events to benefit their communities across 2024 and have donated over €115,000 to worthy appeals in Waterford and across the south east.

All of the funds were raised through the Tour de Tirlán cycling event and the Tirlán Mountain Challenge.

During 2024, over 130 employees of the dairy cooperative took part in the fundraising activities in aid of Aware, Cois Nore Cancer Support Centre, South East Simon Community and addiction rehabilitation service, Aiséirí.

Presenting the charities with their cheques, Jim O’Neill, Chief Operating and Consumer Officer and chair of the Tour de Tirlán committee said it was great to see the level of enthusiasm amongst colleagues in raising money to support such good causes.

“We’re delighted to present the money raised through the Tour de Tirlán cycle 2024 to charity. We raised €75,000 for Aiséirí, Cois Nore, South East Simon and our Corporate Charity Partner Aware. The cycle has now been running for 10 years, and we have raised €486,000 to date. We’re fundamentally involved in the community in Tirlán. We have 4,500 farm families spread across the country and it’s really important to raise money for worthy causes and give back to our community.”

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The €75,000 raised from Tour de Tirlán was split evenly between the four charities, receiving €18,750 each.

Julie Curran, Senior Corporate Fundraising Officer with South East Simon Community, which is based in Waterford, said: “Homelessness is the social issue of our times. We support vulnerable men and women here in the South East to leave homelessness behind, to rebuild their lives and to become active participants again in their local communities. None of it would be possible without the generous support of our local business community. This significant donation is a reflection of the care and compassion that everyone who participated in the fundraiser has for people who are isolated and excluded. Thank you so much for believing in people.”

Tirlán’s Charity partner, Aware, received a further €40,000 from the Tirlán Mountain Challenge 2024.  Stephen Butterly, Head of Fundraising and Business Development at Aware, said the mental health organisation continues to see high demand for its services, with the Aware Support Line receiving an average of 80 calls a day.

Aware is also set to expand its offering in the coming year with the introduction of a new service for people experiencing depression. “The Tirlán events have raised significant funds for Aware, along with bringing attention to the important topic of mental health. We are very grateful to the Tirlán team and everyone who participated in the events or supported their colleagues’ efforts. The monies raised will contribute directly towards the support of the many people across Ireland affected by depression and help ensure that we can continue to be there for the people who need us most.”

James Brennan, Employee Communications Manager and member of both the Tour de Tirlán and Tirlán Mountain Challenge Committee, emphasised the community spirit of the fundraisers. 

“Events like Tour de Tirlán and the Tirlán Mountain Challenge are an opportunity for our employees to come together, to socialise, connect with each other, and to give back to our charity partners. Since 2017, the Tirlán Mountain Challenge has raised over €270,000.”