Sharing Images of Projects Supported by Members of Philanthropy Ireland during COVID-19

Philanthropy Ireland asked members to share images from their beneficiaries, of examples of philanthropy throughout the Covid-19 crisis. The organisations featured give insight into the amazing work being done to support the most vulnerable in society.

Foróige is a youth development organisation engaging over 50,000 young people and 5,500 volunteers. It’s purpose is to enable young people to involve themselves consciously and actively in their development and in the development of society. Through the Emergency Relief Fund generated by basis.point and Irish Funds, Foróige were able to continue empowering young people by donating care packages to communities across Ireland.

Good Grub is a not-for-profit initiative delivering over 75,000 nutritious fruit & veg parcels directly to the families of DEIS school children around Ireland. With the help of the Emergency Relief Fund, Good Grub are able to maintain supporting vulnerable families during this critical time.

MyMind has almost 2,000 clients who rely on its mental health counselling services. The Ireland Funds, COVID-19 Response Fund is aiding online counselling when in-person services aren’t possible. It is anticipated that these improvements will be of great benefit even after the pandemic is over.

The Ireland Funds have supported COPE Galway Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, COPE Galway has seen the demand for its meals program increase by 100%. They work together with community partners, groups, businesses and individuals, to help some of the most vulnerable and isolated men, women and children in Galway.

The Order of Malta received funding from CFI’s Covid Response Fund, they are a major provider of first-aid services and training, ambulance transport and community and elderly care services across the whole island of Ireland. Pictured are two members performing a deep clean of one of their vehicles prior to their patient transfers.

Helium Arts and Health received funding from CFI’s Covid Response Fund for the Children’s Creative Health Programme to take place both online and through the postal system, to provide a space for children and young people aged six to eighteen years to self-express, connect, and experience pride and achievement through collaborative art making. Helium Arts’ mission is to empower children living with illness through their creativity and the arts, inspiring those who care for them and supporting creative healthy environments.

ESB support Tech2Students which was born from a need created by the COVID crisis and the rapid move by schools from face to face to online teaching. This left many students on the wrong side of the digital divide with large numbers of students lacking suitable devices to engage with schooling. Supported by ESB, Tech2students provided laptops to LC students who urgently needed them.

Siel Bleu are a not for profit organisation who provide life enhancing exercise programmes to older adults and patient groups. Siel Bleu Ireland is the first specific effort to promote exercise among older adults and patient groups in Ireland, with the aim of improving overall wellbeing. Pictured above is a Siel Bleu service user who credits Siel Bleu and their amazing, encouraging trainers for helping to turn her life around. During COVID-19 Siel Bleu have been hosting online exercise classes for adults and older people.