The Woodie’s Heroes campaign is back, marking its tenth anniversary with the goal of raising vital funds for four children’s charities.
Since its inception in 2015, the annual charity initiative has raised €3.6 million for eleven Irish charities, thanks to the support of Woodie’s customers, colleagues and suppliers.
Woodie’s colleagues choose the charities each year and for 2024 they have chosen Autism Assistance Dogs Ireland, Children’s Health Foundation, ISPCC Childline and Down Syndrome Ireland.
The retailer gives all of the money raised directly to the charities, divided equally between them.
Supporting Woodie’s Heroes is easy as there are two simple ways to donate, either in-store at the till or scan the iDonate QR code to contribute online.
The fundraising for this year runs from now until 10 August.
The Heroes
This year’s ambassadors are Rob Grace-Power and Aggie for Autism Assistance Dogs Ireland, Izzy Hayward for Children’s Health Foundation, Iris Carty for Down Syndrome Ireland and Elizabeth “Libby” Donlon-Fox for ISPCC Childline.
The Grace-Power family have seen their lives changed for the better since they received Aggie, an autism-assistance dog, through AADI who keeps seven-year-old Rob safe from running off and supports his ability to self-regulate at home.
The 2024 Woodie’s Heroes campaign aims to raise funds to train five to six assistance dogs, each costing €25,000, to support more families like the Grace-Powers.
Izzy Hayward was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis shortly after birth, and the Children’s Health Foundation has been a cornerstone in her and her family's journey, providing crucial support and funding for treatments and research.
The campaign aims to purchase a digital mobile X-ray to enhance diagnostic capabilities and improve patient care for children like Izzy.
Libby Donlon-Fox has volunteered with ISPCC Childline for over 10 years and is a National Childline Listening Co-ordinator, emphasising that becoming a volunteer is straightforward and requires only a heart and soul, as Childline provides extensive training.
Down Syndrome Ireland has transformed Izzy Carty's young life, according to her family, with special emphasis on the organisation’s speech and language therapy programmes.
The 2024 Woodie’s Heroes campaign aims to fund further development of Down Syndrome Ireland’s Early Years Communication programme to build brighter futures for children with Down Syndrome, like Iris, all over Ireland.
‘Make An Impactful Change’
Speaking about the campaign, the chief executive of Woodies Damien Dwyer said, “This 10th anniversary of the Woodie’s Heroes campaign is a very significant year for us.
“We are thrilled to begin this special campaign, which reflects the commitment of our team and the generosity of our community.
“Thanks to the support of our dedicated colleagues, generous customers and valued suppliers, we have raised €3.6 million for Woodie’s Heroes over the years and made a meaningful difference to Irish children’s charities.
“We are excited to continue this wonderful journey and would love 2024 to be our biggest year yet so these charities can continue to make an impactful change in people’s lives.
“Please get behind your local Woodie’s store and help us support Woodie’s Heroes from now until 10 August.”
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