‘The power of pyjamas!’ – Limerick children raise over €10,000 for autism support and eco-education initiatives

Early Childhood Ireland CEO Teresa Heeney, Adam Harris, CEO, AsIAm and Milica Atanackovic, Membership, Excellence and Learning Manager, Early Childhood Ireland pictured above. Picture: Marc O’Sullivan

Early Childhood Ireland has raised over €285,000 in support of AsIAm and a new ‘Eco-Emotions’ project

Limerick children raised over €10,000 for autism support and eco-education initiatives as part of Early Childhood Ireland’s 20^th National Pyjama Day. For the fundraising event 1,850 children and educators in 37 Early Years and School Age Care settings put on their cosiest pyjamas to raise vital funds in support of children across Ireland in November of last year.

A total of over €285,000 (€287,611.52) was donated to two child-centred projects: autism charity AsIAm’s ‘Child and Family Support Programme’, which provides group-based support and advocacy for autistic children and their families; and a new ‘Eco-Emotions’ project for Early Years and School Age Care educators in Limerick. Developed by Early Childhood Ireland in response to feedback from educators, the programme will support children’s emotional health and develop a sense of environmental responsibility.

Teresa Heeney, CEO of Early Childhood Ireland said, “Since its inception, National Pyjama Day activities have raised over €4.3 million for selected projects and charities. As we mark two decades of Pyjama Day magic, we’re delighted to see the ripple effect of kindness reaching children nationwide.

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“We would like to thank our members and all the educators in Limerick who put so much time and effort into ensuring the children in their care had the best National Pyjama Day possible and express our gratitude to the generous families who sponsored the young fundraisers in their lives.”

“The much-needed funds will support children in Limerick through two worthwhile causes. The Eco-Emotions initiative will foster the development of a future generation which is both caring and environmentally conscious. While AsIAm’s Child and Family Support Programme continues to make a tangible difference in the lives of autistic children and their families across the country.”

Adam Harris, CEO of AsIAm Ireland said: “We’re delighted to once again be supported by Early Childhood Ireland’s National Pyjama Day. The incredible funds raised by children, for children, have enabled us to support thousands of autistic children and families across Ireland including in Limerick through our free, group-based support delivered by our Child and Family Support Programme.”

“Autistic children very often don’t enjoy the same chance to live, work and play in the community but National Pyjama Day enables AsIAm to remove barriers and build capacity so that the children we work with can access neuro-affirmative support and social opportunities.”

Denise Charlton, Chief Executive of Community Foundation Ireland said: “Pyjama Day is about turning the generosity of children, parents and members of Early Childhood Ireland into important supports for young people and their families. The partnership with AsIAm does this in a way which is not only supportive but also pioneering. It breaks down barriers to specialised care and makes it more accessible to all. On behalf of the Community Foundation, I want to congratulate all who participated in Pyjama Day and look forward to hearing about the transformative work by AsIAm which is now getting underway.”

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