NCNA Pyjama Day was initiated five years ago as a means of raising much-needed funds for worthy children’s charities in Ireland.
Grovelands Childcare, the largest childcare provider in the Midlands, has been a great supporter of Pyjama Day in its centres in Athlone, Mullingar, and Tullamore. The children, through their parents and the trojan efforts of staff, raised over €17,000 for the Make A Wish Pyjama Day 2007 and 2008.
Director of Grovelands Childcare, Regina Bushell, is a member of the board of the National Children's Nurseries Association (NCNA ) and encourages the children, staff, and parents to take part in this worthy fundraising event on an annual basis.
Children and staff wear their pyjamas in the Grovelands Childcare centres for the day and great fun is had by all. Parents take sponsorship cards and help their children to collect as much as possible. The event lifts the spirits of everyone involved, and the children really enjoy the novelty of staying in their pyjamas for the day.
Even in these recessionary times, the combined total in the centres by Friday evening was approximately €4,000 and with many cards and money still to be returned it is expected the final total will exceed €5,000, which will go a long way to realising the dream of some deserving child.
Regina travelled to each centre on the day to convey her thanks to all for their positive approach to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. She also wishes to acknowledge the assistance of the Athlone Joke Shop and Fern Hill Garden Centre for their support in making the day such a success.
Make-A-Wish Foundation in Ireland has one simple aim - to grant the wishes of children aged between 3 and 18 years living with a life-threatening illness. Since its inception in 1992, Make-A-Wish in Ireland has granted wishes for over 720 special children and realised their greatest wish.
To continue with their work and succeed in their aims, they rely overwhelmingly on the kindness of the general public, as they receive no government funding.
