Jack & Jill fundraiser at M4 Toll Booth marks key anniversary for the charity
A fundraiser for the Jack & Jill Foundation is taking place at the M4Toll Plaza at Kilcock-Kinnegad on Friday.
Volunteers will also be shaking buckets at manual operator booths at the following locations:
- M1 Drogheda
- M7/M8 Portlaoise
- N25 Waterford
- M3 Clonee-Kells (Meath)
- Limerick Tunnel
- M8 Fermoy
- N6 Galway-Ballinasloe
Also, this is the 20th Anniversary of Jack Irwin (pictured) passing away, the little boy whose home nursing care plan became the blueprint for 2,200 children, including 119 children in Kildare.
Jack’s dad Jonathan Irwin who founded Jack & Jill in 1997, penned a poignant tribute to Jack.
Jonathan wrote:
20 years ago this week (13th December) since our precious son Jack Irwin passed away. Little did we know then that his legacy via The Jack & Jill Children’s Foundation would touch so many families and communities around the country.
I am retired now from Jack & Jill but my commitment is still full time and I am so proud of what we have achieved together in 20 short years, especially on this Jack’s anniversary.
Ours is a unique service that really works. A simple child and family centred, flexible, 365 day a year service, with no waiting list or means test. A compassionate, caring and community model that has changed lives, making those difficult care journeys for over 2,200 families a little easier and less lonely.
On my son Jack’s anniversary, I would like to salute each and every one of our nurses – those quiet champions - and to remind them of their importance and their impact in every community, especially around Christmas time.
To the families under our wing past and present, I say thank you from the bottom of my heart. What a privilege it is to be invited into your home and into your lives to accompany you on your journey.
We’ve funded this service 80% through the continued loyalty and generosity of individual, family and corporate supporters and 20% through our HSE grant which is continually shrinking. All fuelled by a dedicated and hard-working fundraising team who are particularly busy in the run up to Christmas.
We show good governance in practice from the boardroom to the sitting room, and while others talk about the money following the patient into the home we make it happen.
We have a lot to be proud of 20 years on. Thank you.
Jack & Jill Candle
Meanwhile people looking for gift ideas have been asked consider the Jack & Jill candle which contains a sparkling necklace in each candle and two lucky purchasers will find real diamonds worth €1,000 each, at a cost of €20 direct from www.jackandjill.ie or via Avoca Stores around the country.