About the DANONE BIG TODDLE FOR BARNARDOS

The DANONE BIG TODDLE FOR BARNARDOS invites toddle groups from junior schools, crèches, Montessori's and families to do a simple sponsored toddle.

Over the past seven years the DANONE BIG TODDLE FOR BARNARDOS has seen 112,500 children taking part. Over 4,336 groups have organised sponsored toddles and together have raised over €2 million, making this the biggest fundraising event for Barnardos.

Where the money goes... 

At Barnardos, we work with thousands of children to help change their lives.

Aoife is just one of them...

At 3, Aoife was living her life in darkness.

Her mum suffers from depression and has had addiction issues. Her Dad moved out of the family home leaving Aoife's mum to cope alone. Aoife's mum is agoraphobic, so she avoids public places meaning they rarely go outside. With the curtains drawn shut there was no difference between night and day in Aoife's world. She only ate tuna, usually straight from the can. It was all there was. She was usually dirty, and sometimes had lice in her hair.

When we met her, she was already growing up to be one of those hardened young adults people try to avoid.
So how did we bring light into Aoife's life?

Aoife's Barnardos Project Worker Niamh, designed a programme specifically for Aoife and her family. The aim was to get Aoife into a routine, give her nutritious regular meals, and help her mum learn to look after the family, and herself, better.

This is a true story. We have changed the names to protect identities.

By taking part in the Danone Big Toddle for Barnardos you are helping to change the life of a child like Aoife