Make a Difference in 2012

We would like to wish all our friends and supporters a very happy New Year. All of us in Barnardos are determined to make 2012 a year that will create positive change for disadvantaged children in Ireland. We would love you to join us in our mission and make 2012 a year to remember.

Here are some suggestions to help you keep your new year's resolution and also make a difference to the lives of children living in Ireland.

If 2012 is the year you want to really put your mettle to the test, then look no further. Barnardos has a variety of challenges lined up; from overseas adventures and full moon treks to places on the New York and Dublin marathons and much, much more.

Root out your hiking boots and take on the experience of a lifetime with the Barnardos Nepal Trek in November 2012. Trekkers will spend five days sleeping in traditional Nepalese teahouses and scaling heights of 3190metres. Integral to the challenge is a fundraising target of €4795 and Barnardos will provide you with training treks in Ireland and all the tips and fundraising expertise to help you get there.

If you want an adrenalin-filled experience a little closer to home, why not sign up for a charity skydive in Ireland? www.skydive4charity.ie offer charity skydives or parachute jumps at any time of the year for an exhilarating way to fundraise.

It’s a well known fact that having a date in your diary is a great way to motivate yourself. This year, why not make the Great Limerick Run your target? The Great Limerick Run takes place on Sunday, May 6^th – giving you plenty of time to prepare whether you aim to run, jog or walk. This event has something for everyone including a marathon, a half marathon and a six mile event. It’s also festival weekend in Limerick so there will be lots of other fun events happening. Keep an eye on www.greatlimerickrun.com for tailored training plans and nutritional tips to help you along the way. And as Barnardos has been chosen as the charity partner for 2012, all participants will receive a Barnardos fundraising pack in the post. So you can get fit and feel even better knowing that you are raising funds to support Barnardos work with children in Ireland.

Aiming to spend more quality time as a family is a wonderful New Years resolution which can reap great rewards. For families with young children, the Danone Big Toddle for Barnardos fits the bill. It’s a fun sponsored walk for the under fives and families, communities, crèches, Montessori’s and junior schools are invited to register and organise their own event. Toddles can take place anywhere – in your garden, neighbourhood or green area – and Barnardos will send you a pack with all you need to organise your event and some cool stuff to entertain the kids. 2012 will be the eighth year of the Danone Big Toddle for Barnardos and in that time the event has raised more than €2 million for the children’s charity, whilst also encouraging groups and families to get together and have fun.

Taking part in a parenting course is an inspiring New Years resolution as well as a good way to meet other parents in your locality, share experiences and develop your understanding of your child. Barnardos has a national database of parenting programmes available all over Ireland so you can easily locate a course in your county and book online.

If you’ve promised yourself that you’ll become more involved in your community this year, why not organise a local fundraising event – a bake sale, table quiz or fun run is a great way to get to know your neighbours and spread some goodwill in your area. Barnardos fundraising team will support you – even providing questions for your quiz night! Download our Fundraising pack to get you started

Supporting your preferred charity with a donation is another good way to make your mark on your community. Become a Barnardos Childhood Friend and give as little as €7 per month or whatever you can afford to help fund services for vulnerable children. If you can’t afford to make a donation, support Barnardos by spreading awareness amongst your friends. Find Barnardos on Facebook, ‘like’ the page and share it with your online buddies.

Spring cleaning your home and donating your once loved clutter could also ensure some good karma comes your way for 2012. Barnardos Shops will happily accept books, DVDs, jewellery, good quality clothing men’s, women’s and children’s shoes and clothing as well as bric-a-brac, handbags and other accessories. Barnardos Shops are located in Cork, Wexford, Carlow, Rathmines, Clondalkin and Dun Laoghaire.

We’d love to hear from you so If you would like to talk to us about any of the above ideas please phone us on 1850 222 300 or email us on info@barnardos.ie