Four Irish charities win Movement for Good Awards

For the fifth year running, Benefact Group, which owns Ecclesiastical Insurance in Ireland, is giving away €1million to charities through its Movement for Good awards. Members of the public were invited to nominate causes close to their hearts, with 150 awards of €1,000 announced today.

The local charities set to benefit from the money, following overwhelming public support in the country include:

CROÍ Ireland, the heart and stroke charity based in Co Galway, is committed to reducing the impact of cardiovascular disease on families in the West of Ireland.

Shankill & Ballybrack Community First Responders, a group of volunteers based in Co Dublin, aids people who suffer events such as cardiac arrest, heart attack, stroke, choking and provides education and training to the community.

Positive Futures, an Irish charity for people with an intellectual disability, acquired brain injury or autistic spectrum condition, provides a public benefit through the provision of care and enhancing the quality of life of people with learning disabilities, their families, and their carers throughout Ireland.

The Manor Fields Adare, a community-owned recreational amenity in Co Limerick, provides facilities for cultural and recreational activities for the youth and the elderly, as well as meeting rooms for local charitable organisations.

Thanking supporters, David Lane, Managing Director for Ecclesiastical Insurance Ireland, said: “We would like to thank every single person who took the time to nominate a good cause as part of our 2023 Movement for Good Awards. The public vote is testament to the impact these organisations have in each of their local communities.

We understand that more than ever charitable causes need sustained support and a sense of financial stability, and €1,000 can make a huge difference to the incredible work that charities do.

Congratulations to all the winners and especially to CROÍ Ireland, Positive Futures, Shankill & Ballybrack CFR and The Manor Fields Adare.”

Christine Flanagan, Director of Fundraising at Croí Heart & Stroke Charity, said: “We are delighted to have been selected for the Movement for Good awards and would like to express our sincere gratitude to everyone involved in nominating us.  As an independent not-for-profit organisation, all our activities are funded from our own fundraising initiatives and revenue generating activities.  People living with heart disease and stroke need our support now more than ever before.  The support from the Movement for Good Awards will go directly to supporting Croí services, which includes our virtual health and support programmes including Croí Connects (our free community help line and virtual chats) and the Croí Courtyard Apartments. Thanks again to everyone involved!”

More than 11,000 charitable causes in Ireland and the UK received votes, thanks to over 135,000 nominations from supporters. The 150 winning charities were picked at random this month from those nominated, with a further 150 winners being selected in September. Further gifts will be awarded throughout the year.

To find out how to support the Movement for Good Awards and to nominate a cause you care about visit www.movementforgood.com.