Tirlán charity hike to raise €40,000 for mental health
Up to 50 Tirlán employees have been training for the Tirlán Mountain Challenge which will take place over two days next week to raise €40,000 for mental health charity Aware.
The farmer-owned co-operative said it has a "long and proud history and tradition" of fundraising, supporting local communities and assisting in many "worthy causes".
In 2023, the Tirlán team climbed Ireland's highest peak Carrauntoohil, raising over €50,000. Over the past decade, over €400,000 has been raised for charitable causes.
This year's charity hike will take place in Connemara National Park, including part of the Maumturks mountain range, on Friday, October 11, and Saturday, October 12, 2024.
Aware is a national organisation supporting people impacted by depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety and related mood conditions. The fundraiser can be supported on idonate.ie under 'Tirlán Mountain Challenge 2024'.
The head of environmental, social and governance at Tirlán, Dr. Lisa Koep, who is one of the Tirlán Mountain Challenge 2024 participants, said:
“As we climb, we will be thinking of the many people who face very different challenges every single day of their lives but who dig deep and overcome them, often with the support of hands-on charities such as Aware.
"Their strength and courage will drive us on as we complete our fundraising climb.”
Tirlán Mountain Challenge spokesperson, James Brennan said the team is training hard and looking forward to this year's two-day fundraiser.
“We thank our families, friends and colleagues who have already donated and encourage any Tirlán suppliers or members of our wider communities to help us meet our ambitious fundraising target again this year," he said.
The head of fundraising at Aware, Stephen Butterly added: “Depression is a significant societal issue that is impacting families and communities all over Ireland, every single day.
"We want to be here for everyone who needs us. Recognition and support from corporate organisations like Tirlán benefit us hugely in our quest to achieve that.
“Charity partnerships like this one with Tirlán do much more than fundraise to support our nationwide services. They raise awareness. They break the stigma.
"They start conversations about how people are feeling, what supports can be accessed and can make a real difference to the many out there who are still struggling in silence."
