Network Ireland has announced that ACT for Meningitis has been chosen as the group’s charity partner for 2022. ACT for Meningitis is a national charity based in Galway and provides free support services to anyone affected by meningitis in Ireland. It also works to save lives through greater awareness of the disease. Fundraising activities will officially begin with Network’s celebration of International Women’s Day in Co. Westmeath on Tuesday, March 8.
ACT was founded by Siobhan and Noel Carroll in 2011 following the loss of their four-year-old daughter Aoibhe to meningitis. It has been selected by Network Ireland because of the lifelong emotional and practical support it provides to those living with the impact of the disease.
Noreen McKenzie, National President of Network Ireland said, “We are excited to partner with ACT for Meningitis for 2022. The charity is based in Galway but it provides vital services to families right across the country.
“Meningitis can affect people of all ages, not just children and we hope that by working together we can raise much-needed funds as well as raising the profile of this incredible charity. ACT shares many of the values of Network Ireland and our members. It believes that no one should ever have to face the meningitis journey alone, it also runs campaigns and training sessions to raise awareness and reduce the impact of the disease.”
Siobhan Carroll said that ACT for Meningitis is most grateful to be chosen by Network Ireland as their charity of the year for 2022. “Working with such a dynamic organisation and its 1,200 diverse and professional women across Ireland will help us to establish new ways of raising life-saving meningitis awareness on a national level. Their support and mentorship will also assist the growth and sustainability of our national community care program and we look forward to meeting each branch over the coming months.”
International Women’s Day is a highlight of Network Ireland’s calendar. This year sees the long-awaited return to in-person events and will be a celebration of women in business and the power of belief. Best-selling authors Anna McPartlin and Sinead Moriarty are the keynote speakers at the event in Glasson Lakehouse, Co. Westmeath.
Noreen McKenzie said it promises to be a wonderful event, “This is our first fully in-person event since March of 2020 and after almost two years of Zoom and hybrid meetings our members are excited to attend a gathering like this. The theme of this year’s event is the Power of Belief.
“I hope that our International Women’s Day event will inspire all our members to believe in themselves and what they can achieve. We are thrilled to be joined by two international best-selling authors who have written 25 novels between them. Anna McPartlin and Sinead Moriarty are truly inspirational women and will be joined by Siobhan Carroll and one of the most decorated Mayo footballers of all time, Andy Moran.”
The event at Glasson Lakehouse takes place from 12pm to 5.30pm on Tuesday, March 8. Tickets are now on sale and are available from https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/network-ireland-international-womens-day-2022-power-of-belief-tickets-265051294557. A fundraising raffle will be held at the event in aid of ACT for Meningitis.
