Broadcaster Doireann Garrihy has revealed the shortlist of 22 non-profit organisations in the running for this year’s €100,000 Coca-Cola Thank You Fund.
Marking a major milestone year for the Fund, which will see the total figure donated to youth-oriented non-profit organisations reach over €1 million, the 22 shortlisted groups will now continue in the process to pitch their ideas to a panel of judges for a share of the €100,000 pot.
“The Coca-Cola Thank You Fund was designed to identify and support local community groups in Ireland and Northern Ireland with creative ideas to effect change," said Petre Șandru, country manager, Coca-Cola Ireland.
Grant Recipients
All 22 shortlisted youth organisations are in the running to receive a grant of €20,000, €10,000 or €5,000 following their pitch to the panel of judges.
He highlighted: "While we’re calling out as shortlist of 22 non-profit organisations here today, who will continue to the next stage of the judging process, we were truly overwhelmed by the response to this year’s milestone campaign and the standard of applications we received."
Shortlisted Youth Organisations
Good Shepherd - Cork
Cork Film Festival - Cork
Moville Family Resource Centre - Donegal
Bradóg Youth Services - Dublin
Sail Training Ireland - Dublin
ReCreate - Dublin
Kildare Sports Partnership - Kildare
Bridgeways Family Resource Centre - Longford |Nationwide
Mosney Youth Theatre - Louth
Manulla FC & Mayo Autism Camp - Mayo
Immigrant Council of Ireland - Dublin | Nationwide
Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Ireland (SBHI) - Dublin | Nationwide
National Gallery of Ireland - Dublin | Nationwide
“A record number of counties across the island of Ireland submitted really creative project ideas to inspire young people in their local area, so the future is bright." Șandru added.
This year the initiative reportedly received over 260 entries.
Autism Support
In 2018 Autism Support Louth & Meath received a Coca-Cola Thank You Fund grant of €10,000 for the development of their drama and music project, 'Capacity Building through Drama and Music for young adults with Autism or Communication Difficulties.'
Developed to empower and support young people across the island of Ireland, Garrihy joined former winners Autism Support Louth & Meath to showcase the fund in action.
“Creativity and artistic expression really helped my own self-esteem," explained Garrihy.
“It’s obvious that the classes are having a positive effect on the participants, but from speaking to volunteers, it’s given them a huge boost too." She added.
Coca-Cola Thank You Fund and People’s Choice Award winners will be announced at Zeminar on Wednesday 9 October 2019, where Doireann Garrihy will be joining Coca-Cola for the presentation.
For further information or to cast your vote, before the cut off point which is the 20 September click here.
© 2019 Checkout – your source for the latest Irish retail news. Article by Donna Ahern. Click sign-up to subscribe to Checkout.
