‘There is such unrest in the world now, I think it’s important to start helping where we can’

Over the last 21 years, toddlers in crèches, childcare groups, pre-schools and families from across the country have raised an incredible €4.7 million in support of Barnardos early years services. The campaign’s theme, Big Toddle Little Heroes, celebrates these remarkable young fundraisers who make a big impact in the lives of their peers.

Louise, huge congrats on your new ambassadorship. What inspired you to get involved with this campaign?
Thank you, I’m so delighted to work with Barnardos. For many years now, I have marvelled at the work they do, they help thousands of vulnerable children across Ireland every year. With two little girls at home, I really wanted to connect with a children’s charity this year. There is such unrest in the world now, I think it’s important to start helping where we can, and for me, that help begins at home with an incredible charity like Barnardos. 

Can you share your personal connection to Barnardos?
My connection is really that of a mother. I believe childhood lasts a lifetime and what we experience as children forms the adults we become. That’s why I connect with Barnardos – their vision is to ensure vulnerable children in Ireland get the support they need to overcome childhood adversity, to give them every chance for their future. 

You have visited Barnardos in the past, can you tell us about the services they provide, and what insights you gained from your visit/s?
Just recently I visited the Barnardos Centre in Loughlinstown. It is such an amazing resource for children in the area, looking after over 20 pre-schoolers and assisting their families with a variety of services. It is in the heart of the community and the people who work there are genuinely heroes who go above and beyond to help the children and families in the community. 

The theme for this year’s Big Toddle is ‘Big Toddle Little Heroes’. What significance do you see in children taking part in fundraising efforts?
Yes, the theme is really gorgeous. All of the children who take part every year in Barnardos’ Big Toddle are pretty special. They’re Barnardos’ littlest fundraisers. They really are little heroes for taking on their own sponsored walk to help raise money to support other toddlers their own age and the campaign is a lovely introduction for smallies to the importance of charity and to helping others. So it’s a very fitting theme to shine a spotlight on these little heroes. 

Can you tell us more about how the funds raised through the Big Toddle will help Barnardos?
All the money raised through this campaign goes towards supporting Barnardos’ seven dedicated early years services where they are supporting toddlers and preschool children between the ages of two and five. These are children living in challenging family circumstances. What they do at these early years services is help children to learn and develop and be ready for ‘big school’. This is Barnardos’ 21st year to host the Big Toddle campaign and over the last 21 years, toddlers from right across the country have raised over €4.7 million – how amazing is that? 

As a mum of two girls, how important do you think something like the Big Toddle is in creating a sense of community and support for families and children?
I think this is a really wonderful way to get children helping children. It’s never too early to start giving back and doing what you can to help others. 

With the demand for Barnardos’ services growing, what can families/our readers do to help raise awareness and to support vulnerable children in Ireland?
Firstly, you can host your own Big Toddle event to raise as much as you can. It’s a really fun campaign and a wonderful learning experience for the little ones. And if you don’t have little ones, you can lend your support by making a donation directly to Barnardos or by sharing the Big Toddle campaign with family and friends with young children, encouraging them to sign up and get involved. 

Lastly, how can we get involved with the Big Toddle and support Barnardos’ mission to help children and families in need?
Whether you’re a crèche, a parent or a childminder you can organise your own Barnardos Big Toddle anytime in May or June by registering at www.barnardos.ie/bigtoddle. Barnardos’ mission is to deliver services and work with families, communities, and our partners to transform the lives of vulnerable children who are affected by adverse childhood experiences. Because childhood lasts a lifetime.

Photography by © Patrick Bolger