Latest news with #JackandJillChildren'sFoundation
Irish Independent
08-08-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Wexford charity gets training to better understand people's needs
Robert McCoy, shop manager of the shop said the training gives managers a better understanding of people's needs, by providing an inclusive space where people may need it. 'It stops people being put off coming to the shops, where they might feel uncomfortable, you know having that bit of extra time to try explain themselves or get something across, even for a purchase. 'The training allows people to not feel rushed or hassled in the store,' Robert said. The JAM initiative allows people with leaning difficulties, communications barriers or autism spectrum disorder to easily and discreetly communicate their need for 'Just A Minute' of patience and understanding when in a public setting, such as the shop in Gorey. The Gorey shop is part of a nationwide network of Jack and Jill charity boutiques that help fund vital in-home nursing care and respite support for children with complex medical needs. By becoming JAM Card friendly, Jack and Jill are reinforcing its commitment to making its stores and the wider organisation as inclusive and welcoming as possible for everyone in the community. 'We're really proud to have achieved all our Jack and Jill Charity Boutiques,' said Stacey Bohanna, Head of Retail and Compliance at the Jack and Jill Children's Foundation. 'This training helps ensure our shops are safe, supportive spaces where all customers feel understood and valued. 'It's a small step that makes a big difference and reflects our wider commitment to accessibility, inclusion and community care,' Stacey added. Currently, Jack and Jill support 21 children in Wexford and has supported 153 children in the county since the charity was founded in 1997. Jack and Jill rely on public support, including funds raised through its charity boutiques to deliver this critical care model which is often described as a lifeline for the families its supports.
Irish Independent
30-05-2025
- Health
- Irish Independent
Wexford woman hits the streets for mini marathon to mark milestone birthday of child that keeps defying the odds
On Sunday, June 1, Sarah Dowling, Niamh Davis and Sinéad Burns will lace up their runners and hit the streets of Dublin for the VHI Women's Mini Marathon, running 10km in support of a special little boy and the charity that's helped his family every step of the way. Speaking ahead of the mini marathon, Niamh said, 'We are so proud of Eilish and her family and really want to push ourselves to give back to Jack and Jill. Matthew has continued to defy the odds and given the nature of his condition we know how important it is to the Begley's to celebrate his birthday every month. So, as he approaches his 24 month birthday we would love to mark that milestone by reaching a fundraising target of €2,400.' Matthew Begley, aged 22 months, lives in Gorey with his mum Eilish, dad John, and big brother Patrick. Born with a rare and complex heart condition, Matthew has no pulmonary artery and lives with a life-limiting diagnosis. Against all odds, he continues to amaze everyone with his strength, love of the outdoors, and beautiful smile. Since his birth the Jack and Jill Children's Foundation has provided vital in-home nursing support to Matthew. Sarah, a nurse from Waterford and a long-time friend of Eilish, has seen first-hand just how much the Jack and Jill Foundation means to the Begley family. Wanting to do something meaningful, she rallied her friends Niamh and Sinéad who are also friends with Eilish to join her in running the mini marathon. Matthew's mum Eilish will also take part in the mini marathon this year alongside her friends, in solidarity for the support her family has received. 'Every moment with Matthew is precious. Jack and Jill give us the gift of time at home together. Taking part in this run is my way of saying thank you—and celebrating how far we've come.' The Jack and Jill Children's Foundation stepped in when Matthew was just ten days old, making it possible for him to come home from hospital and spend time with his family. Since then, their dedicated nursing support has allowed Eilish and John to care for Matthew at home while also meeting the needs of big brother Patrick. Running the VHI Women's Mini Marathon is more than a fitness goal for this group, it's a show of friendship, support and community spirit. They're running for Matthew, for Eilish and over 430 families just like the Begleys across Ireland who are supported by the Jack and Jill Foundation.
Irish Independent
28-05-2025
- Automotive
- Irish Independent
Treat in store for Louth car fans as Retro Canonball rolls into the Cooley peninsula
Cannonball has already raised €1,946,432 for Irish children's charities and this year are raising funds for the Jack and Jill Children's Foundation. An impressive convoy of a 100 classic cars from the 60's, 70's, 80's & 90's including vintage Mustangs and Corvettes, will make its way from Little Island in Co Cork on Friday June 13, and travel northwards, finishing up in the Cooley peninsula on Sunday June 15. The Convoy will be taking the ferry crossing from Greencastle to Greenore with a quick regroup at Lily Finnegans and then on to the beautiful Cooley Peninsula for an exciting finish line at Ballymasconlon Hotel. Spectators and families in Co Louth can get up close, see some rare classic cars, take photographs, meet the drivers and enjoy the timeless allure of vintage automobiles at Ballymascanlon Hotel at 6pm for the overall finish line of the event. The classic car convoy will include rare cars such as the Lamborghini Diablo, Jaguar E-Type, Ferrari 348 GTS, Mercedes-Benz SL Classics, Lancia Beta, BMW 635CSI, Porsche 911 Carrera and Targa, MG Midget, Ford Escort Cosworth, Chevrolet Corvette, VW Beetle, Ford Thunderbird, mini cooper and many more. Spectators can get up close, view the cars and take photographs at each of the start and finish lines, pitstops and lunch stops. 'We are welcoming cars from the golden era of the 60's,70's, 80's and early 90's to take in stunning drives and many famous Irish landmarks.' said Cannonball founder Alan Bannon 'Classic cars not only appeal to car lovers, but also to lovers of engineering, design, art and history. They retain an incurable romance and that is the reason why people do, and always will, love classic cars.' See for details of all events.
