Barretstown Team Up with Flahavan’s with Applegreen for Christmas Magic

BARRETSTOWN TEAM UP WITH FLAHAVAN’S, APPLEGREEN, DEALZ AND LIDL TO SPRINKLE SOME MAGIC FOR CHILDREN AFFECTED BY CANCER AND OTHER SERIOUS ILLNESSES THIS CHRISTMAS

• Barretstown team up with Flahavan’s to create ‘Magical Reindeer Food’, a deliciously festive fuel for Santa’s reindeer on sale in Applegreen, Dealz and Lidl throughout December with all proceeds going directly to the charity
• With only 2% government funding of the €8m required annually, charity issues rallying call for support this Christmas to help ‘Sprinkle Some Magic’ for children affected by cancer and other serious illnesses
• Barretstown, the largest charity in Ireland providing essential therapeutic recreation camps and programmes, plans to support 22,000 seriously ill children and their families in 2024, a 29% increase on children and families served in 2023

 As the festive season approaches, Barretstown, the largest and most established charity in Ireland providing therapeutic recreation camps and programmes to children affected by cancer and other serious illnesses, today issues a national appeal to the public to help ‘Sprinkle Some Magic’ for children battling the impact of a debilitating illness this festive season.

As part of the charity’s festive fundraising efforts, Barretstown has once again teamed up with Ireland’s favourite oat brand, Flahavan’s, to produce Magical Reindeer Food. The deliciously festive Magical Reindeer Food will be available in Applegreen, Dealz and Lidl stores nationwide throughout December and is the perfect snack for Santa’s busy reindeer. This festive collaboration was also made possible by the generous support of Cappoquinn Logistics, who kindly donated transportation and logistical services for the reindeer food product. Magical Reindeer Food is a wonderful way to directly support the Barretstown Sprinkle Some Magic Campaign, with 100% of funds going directly to the charity with each €3 product purchase.

Among the reindeer ‘sprinkling some magic’ this Christmas is 8-year-old Katie Mooney, a.k.a Rudolph, from Walkinstown, Dublin. Katie, who was diagnosed with a Wilms Tumour, a cancerous tumour on one kidney, at six years old, first experienced the magic of Barretstown in 2022 when she attended a Family Camp. Katie’s parents have described her experience at camp as transformative and fundamental in helping the bubbly 8-year-old regain her confidence and sparkle.

On average, over 50% of the children supported annually by Barretstown are affected by oncology and haematology related illnesses. All services provided to children and their families at Barretstown are free of charge, with only 2% of funding provided by the government with the remainder supported by donations and the fundraising efforts of corporate supporters, individuals, and community groups.

Commenting at the launch, Dee Ahearn, CEO of Barretstown said:

“At Barretstown, our mission is to rebuild the lives of children and their families affected by cancer and other serious illnesses. The ‘Sprinkle Some Magic’ campaign embodies the spirit of giving and community support, that is so crucial to us here at Barretstown. We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Flahavan’s and to our incredible retail partners for Reindeer Food, Applegreen, Dealz and Lidl. Their generosity and commitment to Barretstown is vital in making a positive impact on the lives of the children and families we serve.

Together, let’s ensure that every child and family in Ireland, grappling with the difficult reality of childhood cancer and other serious illnesses, can continue to experience the magic of healing, resilience, and joy this Christmas and beyond.”

James Flahavan, Commercial Director, Flahavan’s, added: “Flahavan’s is delighted to support this great initiative in the best way we can – using Flahavan’s oats to help raise funds for Barretstown and the families they serve this Christmas. We are extremely proud that our Magical Reindeer Food will help Barretstown to continue to ‘Sprinkle Some Magic’ for families with sick children throughout 2024”.

There are many ways the public can support Barretstown this Christmas. To learn more about the ‘Sprinkle Some Magic’ campaign, visit www.barretstown.org/christmas