Barnardos?children’s charity launched?their?23rd annual Big Toddle and already 863 Galway children have registered to take part.?These children are joining the thousands of children across the country who will be putting their walking shoes on to take part in Big Toddle sponsored walks in creches, communities and their own gardens. This much-loved campaign for pre-school aged children raises vital funds every year to support Barnardos’ Early Years Services to ensure that the youngest and most vulnerable children get the best start in life.
Barnardos provides early years and support services across the country and has a post-adoption service in Claregalway.
Since the very first Big Toddle?for?Barnardos,?a staggering €4.84 million?has been raised by?Ireland’s toddlers?and?their?families, showing the?BIG impact?children’s small steps?can?have.?These funds directly support?Barnardos?Early Years Services to?ensure?that?the youngest and most vulnerable children get the best start in life.?As?Barnardos’ youngest fundraisers, these toddlers are making a lasting difference to the lives of children their own age.?
Barnardos?Assistant Director?of?Children’s?Services?Clodagh Carroll?said the?early years?of a child’s life are?crucial?in shaping their future wellbeing?and development. The Big Toddle is?much-loved and?very?special?campaign?that celebrates young children’s natural energy and?helps raise vital funds that go directly towards?changing the story?for?so many vulnerable?children.?Best of all, it is an event where children help other children to reach their full potential.”?
Kathryn Thomas,?Barnardos?Big Toddle Ambassador said she is absolutely delighted to join?Barnardos?as this year’s Big Toddle ambassador.
“As a parent myself, I know the challenges there are in raising a child. That is why the work that?Barnardos?does, offering a helping hand, is so crucial. Big Toddle is all about your little?one’s?having fun and helping other children, so I encourage creches, pre-schools or families at home to get involved. It is such?a simple way?to help to change a child’s life.”
Barnardos?Director of Fundraising, Mary Gamble?said that at?Barnardos, they believe?childhood?lasts a lifetime,?which is why our Early Years services are so important.??
“Each year we support?pre-school?children?in our centres across the country?who may be experiencing?additional?challenges in?their?development or in their home?lives.
It is with thanks to creches and families - and their toddlers - we will be able to keep helping these children reach their full potential.”
