A group of Amazon employees from Amazon sites and offices across Ireland have participated in a cycling challenge between Cork and Dublin to raise money for two children’s charities. Team members from Amazon’s fulfilment centre in Dublin, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Amazon offices in Dublin and Amazon Customer Services (ACS) in Cork, joined forces on a charity cycle for Cliona’s Foundation and Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation.
The group commenced the 400-kilometre cycle, in recognition of the 400,000 children diagnosed with cancer each year, from the ACS headquarters in Cork, finishing the route at the fulfilment centre in Dublin. The team arrived at the fulfilment centre after three days, raising €22,000, including a €5,000 donation from the fulfilment centre in Dublin, which will be divided between Cliona’s Foundation and Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation.
Cliona’s Foundation works across Ireland to support families who are dealing with financial issues whilst caring for a child with life-limiting illnesses. The foundation was set up after the passing of Brendan and Terry Ring’s daughter, Cliona, from an inoperable brain tumour. In honour of their daughter, they have helped over 1,200 families across Ireland. In memory of their son, Jack, Jonathan Irwin and Mary Ann O’Brien set up Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation to support families across Ireland who are in the same position they were. The charity provides in-home nursing care and respite support for children with severe to profound cognitive delay. Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation has helped more than 2,600 families across Ireland.
Darragh Kelly, General Manager at Amazon’s fulfilment centre in Dublin, said “We couldn’t be prouder of the teams from Amazon sites across Ireland who took part in the fundraising cycle from Cork to Dublin. This was the first-time representatives from all sections of our business in Ireland came together for a fundraising event. We are pleased to be building our relationship with the teams from Cliona’s Foundation and Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation. All involved should be extremely pleased with the amount they raised for these two important charities.”
Dave Carney, an employee from Amazon who took part in the fundraising cycle, added “I am very proud to have completed the cycle alongside such an amazing team, as well as raising an incredible amount of money for Cliona’s Foundation and Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation. Weather conditions were tough on the last day, but to see everyone cheering us on at the finish line was incredible!”
Brendan, CEO and Co-Founder from Cliona’s Foundation, said “On behalf of the staff and volunteers at Cliona’s Foundation, I would like to say thank you to the Amazon teams in Dublin and Cork for their support. I would also like to thank and congratulate the inspiring team who took part in the cycle – their efforts mean so much to us.”
The donations to Cliona’s Foundation and Jack and Jill’s Children’s Foundation were made as part of Amazon’s programme to support the communities in and around its operating locations in Ireland. Since opening its doors last year, Amazon’s Dublin fulfilment centre has supported many community organisations locally. Charities supported by the team at the fulfilment centre include Jigsaw and LauraLynn Children’s Hospice. The Amazon team also donated €5,000 each to Cliona’s Foundation and Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation when the site opened in 2022.
Pic credit: Gareth Chaney/ Collins Photos
