Tipperary children raise over €12,800 for autism support and eco-education initiatives

Early years settings in Tipperary donated over €12,800 as part of Early Childhood Ireland’s 20th National Pyjama Day fundraising event.

Over 1,840 children and educators in 48 early years and school age care settings put on their cosiest pyjamas to raise vital funds in support of children across Ireland in November of last year.

A total of over €285,000 (€287,611.52) was donated to two child-centred projects: autism charity AsIAm’s Child and Family Support Programme, which provides group-based support and advocacy for autistic children and their families; and a new Eco-Emotions project for early years and school age care educators in Tipperary.

Developed by Early Childhood Ireland in response to feedback from educators, the programme will support children’s emotional health and develop a sense of environmental responsibility.

Teresa Heeney, CEO of Early Childhood Ireland, said: “Since its inception, National Pyjama Day activities have raised over €4.3 million for selected projects and charities. As we mark two decades of Pyjama Day magic, we're delighted to see the ripple effect of kindness reaching children nationwide.

“We thank our members and all the educators in Tipperary who put so much time and effort into ensuring the children in their care had the best National Pyjama Day possible, and express our gratitude to the generous families who sponsored the young fundraisers in their lives.

“The much-needed funds will support children in Tipperary through two worthwhile causes. The Eco-Emotions initiative will foster the development of a future generation which is both caring and environmentally conscious. AsIAm's Child and Family Support Programme continues to make a tangible difference in the lives of autistic children and their families across the country".