Ryanair, Ireland’s No 1 airline, today (18 Dec) made a €100,000 donation to ISPCC Childline, its 2017 chosen charity partner, as it concluded the second year of its fundraising partnership, handing over the cheque just in time for Christmas.

Childline is the only 24-hour listening service which seeks to support and empower children and young people in Ireland with almost 85% of its funding raised through corporate and individual donations. Childline will receive over 1,200 calls on Christmas Day this year and Ryanair’s support will help ensure Childline volunteers are there to take calls from children every day and night over the festive period.

A number of fundraising initiatives were held throughout 2017 including a week-long summer holiday competition on TV3, a charity abseil, the Great Christmas Giveaway draw, and Ryanair will also be running its annual Head Office Christmas Jumper Day next week. Ryanair thanked all of its customers who supported its charity partnership over the past 12 months.

Ryanair’s Robin Kiely said:

“Ryanair is proud to partner once again with ISPCC Childline in 2017 and support the invaluable work they do to help children in need and the €100,000 donated will enable them to continue to provide a vital range of services. We have held a number of fundraising efforts in conjunction with Childline throughout 2017 and we wish to thank everyone who supported our events. We look forward to further charity events in 2018.”  

ISPCC’s Gill Waters said:

“We would like to say a huge thank you to Ryanair and their customers for their continued support in 2017. Your commitment to ISPCC Childline means we can be there to answer calls from children every day and night. While houses around the country are filled with Christmas cheer and excitement, not all children experience the magical feeling of Christmas.  Instead, they experience fear, loneliness, pain and neglect.  Thankfully many of them reach out to Childline, to share their worries and fears. With Ryanair’s support, Childline is there to listen and give them hope.”