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The Irish Sun

RTE star Louise Duffy leads the line for much-loved Barnardos Big Toddle fundraiser that helps support vulnerable kids

BIG-hearted youngsters took shelter from the rays at a Barnardos charity launch today. The children's charity was joined by a group of toddlers and Ambassador Advertisement 5 Ambassador Louise Duffy and some helpful youngster launched the Barnardos annual Big Toddle Credit: Patrick Bolger 5 Joanie Ryan, 4, took a quick break from duties to pose with an umbrella Credit: Patrick Bolger 5 RTE star Louise with Joanie, Blake McLaughlin, 4, Aychin Pitse, 5, and Ollie Peachey Pope, 4 Credit: Patrick Bolger Pictured at the event was Joanie Ryan, 4, who took a quick break from duties to pose with an umbrella. The theme this year - Big Toddle Little Heroes - celebrates the nation's youngest fundraisers who help vulnerable children their own age, by completing a fun half-mile sponsored walk in their creche, childcare group, pre-school and with their families. Commenting on the event, Barnardos say: "This year marks the 22nd anniversary of our exciting half-mile sponsored walk for crèche and pre-school aged children. "Since our very first Big Toddle, young children from crèches, playgroups, preschools, and families across the country have come together to support this much-loved campaign, raising an incredible €4.84 million. Advertisement READ MORE IN BARNARDOS "As they toddle their way to raise funds to support our work, these young children truly are our heroes. They can feel super proud that they are supporting vulnerable children their own age. We celebrate our littlest fundraisers with our very special theme, Big Toddle Little Heroes. "All funds raised directly support Barnardos' Early Years Services where we work with some of the youngest and most vulnerable children, ensuring they get the best possible start in life – just like their peers. By joining our Big Toddle, you will be helping to make a real, lasting difference. "Together we can help to change the story for these children. Because childhood lasts a lifetime." Supporting children for over 60 years, know that the longer a child spends living in deprivation and coping with childhood trauma, the greater an impact it can have on their future. Advertisement Most read in Irish News The works with families who are impacted by poverty, abuse, parental addiction or mental health challenges, neglect and bereavement. Last year, the teamed up with our children's charity partner and top provider Sunway to give away the trip of a lifetime. Family's delight after winning The Irish Sun and Barnardo's 'Big Toddle' art competition for Sunway trip to Lapland The Maguire family in Dublin's Baldoyle bagged an amazing Lapland trip — thanks to their favourite newspaper. Earlier in the year we held a colouring competition for a family of four to win an Enchanted Escape Sunway package to visit in Lapland in November. Advertisement And after the judges saw eight-year-old Caoimhe Maguire's beautiful effort, she was a clear winner. TOP TRIP She headed away with her dad David, mum Helen Martin and little sister Fiadh, five, to meet the man in the red suit last month. And this only added to an already exciting year for the family, who welcomed new baby Conal. Also last year, Advertisement This was done to highlight the experiences of the kids and families they work with and to help raise money to enable them to continue to be there for these families. 5 An incredible €4.84m has been raised by the charity's fundraisers Credit: Patrick Bolger 5 This year marks the 22nd anniversary of the exciting half-mile sponsored walk Credit: Patrick Bolger