Aldi Ireland has donated a further sum of €125,000 to Irish youth organisation Foróige, marking the end of their successful six-year partnership.
Aldi highlighted that it has been a supporter of Foróige’s Youth Citizenship Awards (YCAs) for the duration of their partnership.
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic however, these awards could not take place in 2020 as planned and therefore, Aldi has presented the youth organisation with a cheque to the value of the YCAs, the discounter said.
The Aldi Foróige Youth Citizenship Awards take place annually and recognise the hard work of young people who are actively involved in improving their local area.
Making a positive impact on young people is a central part of the pledge Aldi make to supporting local communities and be “Better Everyday”, by contributing to a greener, fairer and healthier world, it added.
Speaking of the donation, John Curtin, group buying director, Aldi Ireland, said; “At Aldi, we are always looking for ways to make a positive impact on our local communities, so we are extremely proud of the fantastic work that Foróige encourages young people to do.
"The Youth Citizenship Awards looks to empower young people to use their talents and initiative to make a positive difference in their local communities," he said.
"We hope this investment will help Foróige to continue the wonderful work they do for local communities every day around Ireland," Curtin added.
About Foróige
Foróige operates across 26 Irish counties and works with over 50,000 young people (aged 10-18 years old) and 5,500 volunteers each year.
The youth organisation includes a network of over 600 youth clubs and cafes, 160 youth projects and a series of national programmes in areas such as Citizenship, Entrepreneurship and Leadership.
Speaking about the end of the partnership, Seán Campbell, CEO of Foróige said, “Working with Aldi over the last number of years has been an absolute pleasure, something for which we are very grateful."
"Their support has been integral to the success of the programmes that we run across the country, in helping the young people of Ireland achieve their true potential, the results of which we will all continue to see for years to come,” he added.
Foróige Youth Citizenship Awards
In 2014, prior to the commencement of the Aldi sponsorship, a total of eight groups (representing eight counties) exhibited and competed at the Foróige Youth Citizenship Awards, and 2,500 young people participated in the Foróige Youth Citizenship Programme.
By 2019, with sponsorship from Aldi, participation levels had grown to the following extent:
- 220 groups exhibited and competed at the Aldi Foróige Youth Citizenship Awards, (2650% increase in groups taking part since the start of partnership)
- 15,500 young people participated in the Aldi Foróige Youth Citizenship programme, (520% increase in young people involved since the start of partnership)
- Young people from all 26 counties participated in the programme and exhibited at the awards
- The issues tackled by young people through the programme have included mental health, homelessness, the environment, disability, Brexit, road safety, animal welfare, community wellbeing, equality and healthy lifestyles.
Below is a snapshot of the wonderful projects created by previous winners:
- 2019: The Positivity Pages, Carrick-On-Suir, Co. Tipperary
A monthly newsletter for young people, called ‘The Positivity Pages’ which focused on good news.
- 2018: Darragh Hynes, Ratoath, Co. Meath
The first individual winner of the awards, Darragh organised a community culture night as a fundraiser in aid of St. Francis Hospice.
- 2017: Ballaghaderreen Foróige Club, Co. Roscommon
A welcome committee and integration project for local Syrian refugee teenagers.
- 2016: Killimordaly/Killtulla Foróige club, Co. Galway
Raising awareness of, and funds for, defibrillators in the community.
- 2015: Mohill Foróige Club, Co. Leitrim
A local tourism and culture project to honour the memory of Mohill’s sole Titanic Victim, Matthew Sadlier.
Through the partnership with Foróige, Aldi noted that it has seen first-hand how this fantastic organisation helps young people develop as valuable members of society.
2021 Checkout – your source for the latest Irish retail news. Article by Donna Ahern. For more retail news click here. Click sign up to subscribe to Checkout.
