Arlene Foster and Michelle O'Neill pay tribute to ' hugely worthwhile initiative'
Cash for Kids raised an incredible £1,093,000 last year 👏
Last updated 22nd Feb 2021
Northern Ireland’s First and Deputy First Ministers have paid a special tribute to the work of ‘Cash for Kids’ in what they said was one of the most difficult years for young people.
Both Arlene Foster and Michelle O’Neill highlighted the key role of the Bauer charity in helping those in need.
In addition, the First Minister, who namechecked Cool FM, in addressing MLAs on the floor of the Assembly during 2020, highlighted the value of radio, especially in the middle of a pandemic.
She said: “I would like to pay tribute to the teams at Cool FM and Downtown for their ‘Cash for Kids’ appeal. The Coronavirus pandemic made 2020 a difficult year for all of us, but particularly for children and young people.
"I have often spoken of the value of radio during the pandemic as a way of keeping us informed and entertained, as well as being a source of company in isolating times."
“In many ways, ‘Cash for Kids’ is an extension of this connection between Cool FM and Downtown with their listenership and the wider community. They played a key role in raising significant sums of money and distributing it to those in need. I’m particularly pleased that the money donated in Northern Ireland went to good causes locally.
“I commend all those involved in this hugely worthwhile initiative.”
The Deputy First Minister added that ‘Cash for Kids’ provided “tremendous support to families and children who have been among the hardest hit by the Coronavirus pandemic.”
She added: “Covid-19 has had a devastating impact on so many aspects of our lives – both as individuals and as a society. It has taken away many of the things we took for granted. “
Ms O’Neill pointed to the fact that people had “demonstrated a wonderful sense of community and have stepped up to help each other in whatever way they can.”
She added: “That’s why Downtown and Cool FM’s ‘Cash for Kids’ has been so vital. It has been a tough time for many charities, community and voluntary organisations. It has been even more difficult for those who need their services during these uncertain times. In reaching out to help those affected by the pandemic, those behind ‘Cash for Kids’ have helped to address the hardship being faced by too many children and young people across our community.”
Cash for Kids NI raised an incredible total of £1,093,000 in 2020
What's included in the Cash for Kids campaign?
• £78,000 distributed via emergency micro grants of £35 per child to fund basic essentials like food and heating vouchers in response to Covid-19, helping more than 2,200 children
• Helping make Christmas different for children living in poverty with £324,975 raised in gifts and cash donations
A total of 18,274 children were supported in 2020
This equates to:
• 2251 children effected by poverty
• 6702 children to take part in educational projects
• 9285 children given gifts at Christmas
How can you get involved with Cash for Kids this year?
Cash for Kids launched their 5K a day campaign last week - this could be your opportunity to take part and help raise much needed funds for children in Northern Ireland.