(08 Jun 2009)
Host a picnic this Summer for Barretstown
With the continued hope of more hot, sunny days this summer, Avonmore is encouraging people to host a picnic this Summer in aid of Barretstown Camp for seriously ill children. The campaign aims to encourage everyone, whether it is individuals, families, schools or companies across the country to raise much needed funds for one of Ireland’s worthiest causes.
Raising funds couldn’t be easier! Simply:
1. Visit your local store and pick up an Avonmore milk carton for more details about this initiative
2. Log on to www.sendmorefamilies.com and register for your free Avonmore Big Picnic for Barretstown picnic pack. This is full of hints and tips on how to host a picnic and provide entertainment for the entire al fresco experience!
3. Invite friends and family around for a picnic. Donations can be made on the day or in advance. Why not organise some games and introduce forfeits to raise extra money?
4. Send all money raised to Barretstown
Barretstown provides a unique Therapeutic Recreation programme through a fun, activity based process of challenge, success, reflection and discovery - backed by the medical world - which helps children affected by cancer and other serious illnesses and their families regain their confidence and self-esteem. Hospitals’ primary focus is on the physical effects of serious illness, Barretstown helps to heal the emotional scars.
The money raised will help send more families to Barretstown and also provide much needed equipment and resources to help run their 14 family camps which take place every year. A mere €20 could contribute to the cost of recruiting and training Barretstown’s dedicated volunteers, of which 700 are needed every year. An achievable €50 could buy a supply of face paints for Barretstown’s arts and crafts and drama programme. In fact raising €350 could help pay for a child to come to Barretstown for a whole day.
The O’Maolagain Family from Dundalk recounted their memories of their trip to Barretstown by saying “The first time we went to Barretstown I thought it was just for children so I brought a book. I never opened it once. Half an hour after arriving I found myself paddling like crazy in a canoe! And that was just the beginning!
“I only wish it was possible for every family in our situation to go to Barretstown and experience what we did – it’s the best therapy going.”
Fin Breatnach, CEO of Barretstown said “Having worked with children who have been diagnosed with cancer over the past 30 years I have witnessed many children regain their confidence, self-belief and self-esteem through the marvelous work carried out at Barretstown. It is only through partners such as Avonmore who make these initiatives possible that allow us to raise the money and awareness needed to continue this wonderful work.”
A Big Picnic for Barretstown can be enjoyed anywhere - on the beach, in the park, in the garden, or even just on the living room floor. All funds raised will go directly to Barretstown and will help the thousands of children and their families who visit their camps every year.
There are lots of ways to get involved with the Avonmore Big Picnic for Barretstown. Simply visit your local store and pick up a pack of Avonmore Milk or log on to www.sendmorefamilies.com to register and download a picnic pack for free. Alternatively call 1850 930 383 to request a picnic pack.
So no matter what the weather, get picnicking this summer and raise much needed funds for Barretstown.