Charity baby bank dependence soars
The demand for essential baby items from Ireland's national baby bank has surged dramatically in Cork.
Community Connect, a charity providing practical support to vulnerable families, recorded an alarming 127% increase in demand for its services in Cork in the past year.
The baby bank, which has hubs in Cork, Dublin, Galway, Kilkenny, and Athlone, has seen a national increase in demand of 50%, putting Cork well above the national average.
Through a network of volunteers and donors across Ireland, Community Connect’s hubs collect donations of essential items for babies and children, and pass them on for free, from one family to another.
The ongoing the cost-of-living crisis in Ireland means that one in five children is now living below the poverty line once housing costs are accounted for, according to a recent report by the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI).
Community Connect said this is forcing vulnerable families to make “impossible choices” between heating the home, putting food on the table, or affording basic necessities like nappies, cots, or buggies.
Elaine Noonan, CEO and co-founder of Community Connect, said: “It’s not easy to raise a child in today’s economy, especially with the ongoing cost-of-living and housing crises. For families without financial stability, the challenge of providing even the basics for their children can feel overwhelming.”
Since its establishment in 2023, Community Connect has supported over 1,750 families, completing over 2,000 deliveries across Ireland, providing 1,576 clothing bundles, 873 buggies and strollers, 554 cots and cribs, as well as numerous other vital baby equipment and gift packs.
As part of the charity’s ongoing efforts, it has again partnered up with IKEA Ireland who have just launched the Grejsimojs collection. For every product sold from the new collection, €1 will be directly donated to Community Connect up until 26 April.
Inspired by nostalgic childhood memories, the 33 piece range is designed with a dual perspective to appeal to both adults and children.
Ms Noonan said: “This renewed collaboration through the Grejsimojs collection will be crucial in helping us meet unprecedented demand.
“Through our previous partnership in 2024, we were able to significantly strengthen our work and support 650 families across Ireland.”
Hiliary Jenkins, Head of Social Impact and Community Engagement at IKEA Ireland, added: “With more than 80 years of experience in life at home, we know that a safe, secure, and comfortable home is the foundation of a child’s well-being and development.
“This partnership embodies ‘playful living, purposeful giving’,” she added.
To get involved and to make a donation directly to Community Connect, visit communityconnect.ie.