Children’s charities appeal for SSIA windfall donations

THE country’s four big charities for sick children joined forces yesterday to appeal to the 1.1 million Irish SSIA account holders to donate some of their cash windfall.

The Little Star Fund sees Barretstown, Our Lady’s Hospital For Children, Crumlin, Temple Street Children’s University Hospital and The National Children’s Hospital, Tallaght, come together for the first time for a once-off joint call for donations.

Little Star Fund spokes-man Conor Byrne said the appeal marked an opportunity for people to demonstrate that the Celtic Tiger had not robbed them of their ability to give generously when asked.

“The average SSIA payout is estimated at €13,800 and a 1% donation equates to €138. However, we are keen to stress that we don’t want all your SSIA money, just a very small percentage, or just a few euro. We acknowledge that people have saved hard for five years and are entitled to spend the bulk of their money how they wish,” he said.

Radio and television presenter Ray D’Arcy helped launch the fund with four ‘Little Stars’ who represented the four national children’s charities.

“Donating even a small amount of our windfall can assist the Little Star Fund raise money to help the seriously ill children in Ireland,” he said.

Donations can be made via the charity’s website, www.littlestarfund.ie, or by visiting any AIB branch or post office, by telephone banking, or by posting a cheque to PO Box 10481 Dublin 12.