Two Cork organisations are awarded for their vital work
Two organisations in Cork have each been awarded €10,000 for the work they do in their communities.
Cork Penny Dinners and Down Syndrome Ireland Cork at the Field of Dreams were selected as part of the inaugural Aviva Employee Community Fund, a new initiative that enables Aviva wokrers to support charities and organisations that do vital work in communities nationwide.
The fund awarded a total of €90,000 to charities and community organisations across Ireland, supporting a wide range of initiatives that make a positive impact in local communities.
Established in the 1800s, Cork Penny Dinners has a longstanding history of supporting individuals and families experiencing food poverty and financial hardship throughout Cork city and surrounding areas.
In addition to providing hot meals, the charity offers food parcels, practical supports and assistance to those facing difficult circumstances.
The €10,000 funding will contribute towards the purchase of food supplies and essential items for food parcels, including fresh produce and hygiene products.
The funds will help the organisation continue responding to demand for its services while providing practical support to people in need throughout the community.
Down Syndrome Ireland Cork at the Field of Dreams is a self-funded branch of Down Syndrome Ireland that provides a broad range of programmes and supports for children, adults and families throughout Cork. Services include early intervention programmes, speech and language support, playgroups, parent and sibling supports, horticultural activities, education initiatives and employment support.
Funding will support the delivery of accessible education, life-skills development and wellbeing programmes designed to promote confidence, independence, participation and social inclusion for people with Down syndrome.
Rachael Larney, Sustainability Lead at Aviva Ireland, said: “We are delighted to launch the first year of the Aviva Employee Community Fund and support organisations making a positive difference in communities across Ireland.
“Cork Penny Dinners and Down Syndrome Ireland Cork provide important services that support people and families at different stages of life and in different circumstances, helping to strengthen their communities every day.”
She added: “One of the things that makes this Fund special is that it gives our colleagues an opportunity to champion causes they care about and support organisations creating meaningful change in their local communities. We are proud to support both organisations and the positive impact they continue to make across Cork.”