Over the next 12 months, Aurivo employees, including Homeland and Nutrias team members, will organise fundraising events for the Alzheimer’s Society of Ireland as part of the co-op’s Charity of the Year Programme, with Aurivo matching all funds raised by these efforts.
This year, Aurivo is targeting €40,000 worth of donations for the charity, which provides dementia-specific services and supports in communities across Ireland, and advocates for those living with dementia, and their families and carers.
The Aurivo Charity of the Year partnership was introduced in 2007 to support charity organisations throughout Ireland and to help raise much needed funds to support the continuation of essential services for these worthy causes. Since then, Aurivo has partnered with 16 charity organisations, including Make a Wish, Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind and Irish Wheelchair Association, which has raised more than €580,000.
Aurivo staff members, stakeholders and customers will unite to raise funds for the Alzheimer’s Society of Ireland, with their team of over 650 employees and a network of 34 stores, 4 livestock marts, production plants and headquarters, all getting involved in the programme. Fundraising initiatives throughout the year will include stationary bike cycles, 5km walks or runs, golf classics, raffles, and coffee mornings.
Commenting on the announcement, Donal Tierney, Chief Executive, Aurivo, said: “This year marks the 17th year of the Aurivo Charity of the Year partnership, a programme I am personally very proud of. This year we have selected the Alzheimer’s Society of Ireland and we look forward to raising much needed funds for the organisation.
“The Alzheimer’s Society of Ireland is a non-profit organisation that is instrumental in providing care and support services to those affected by dementia in Ireland. With some 64,000 people in Ireland living with dementia, and 11,000 new cases identified each year, the Alzheimer’s Society of Ireland plays a role in almost every community in Ireland. This commitment to communities is something that is shared by Aurivo, which makes the Alzheimer’s Society an ideal charity partner for us for the year ahead. We hope that our fundraising efforts will help them to continue their excellent work in empowering and championing the rights of people living with dementia and enabling their communities to provide the quality care and services that they deserve.”
Welcoming the partnership announcement, Mairead Dillon, Head of Fundraising, Alzheimer’s Society of Ireland said: "We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Aurivo as our new charity partner. Their commitment to supporting The ASI will allow us to create a greater impact and bring positive change to people living with dementia and their families in Ireland. With every step we take in collaboration, we amplify the power of compassion and generosity, multiplying the difference we can make.”
About The Alzheimer Society of Ireland (The ASI):
The Alzheimer Society of Ireland is Ireland's leading dementia-specific service provider. The Alzheimer Society of Ireland works across the country in the heart of local communities providing dementia-specific services and supports and advocating for the rights and needs of all people living with dementia and their carers. Our vision is an Ireland where people on the journey of dementia are valued and supported. A national non-profit organisation, The Alzheimer Society of Ireland advocates, empowers and champions the rights of people living with dementia and their communities to quality support and services. The Alzheimer Society of Ireland also operates the Alzheimer National Helpline offering information and support to anyone affected by dementia on 1800 341 341.
ABOUT DEMENTIA
● There are 64,000 people with dementia in Ireland, and the number of people with the condition will double in the next 25 years to over 150,000 by 2045.*
● There are 11,000 new cases of dementia in Ireland each year. That’s at least 30 people every day, and anyone can get dementia - even people in their 30s/40s/50s.**
● Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe a range of conditions which cause changes and damage to the brain.
● Dementia is progressive. There is currently no cure. Dementia is not simply a health issue but a social issue that requires a community response.
● Most people with dementia (63%) live at home in the community. Over 180,000 people in Ireland are currently or have been carers for a family member or partner with dementia, with many more providing support and care in other ways.
● 1 in 10 people diagnosed with dementia in Ireland is under 65.
● The overall cost of dementia care in Ireland is just over €1.69 billion per annum; 48% of this is attributable to family care; 43% is by residential care; formal health and social care services contribute only 9% to the total cost.
*Figures referenced by Cahill, S. & Pierce, M. (2013) The Prevalence of Dementia in Ireland
*Figure referenced from Alzheimer Europe (2020) Dementia in Europe Yearbook 2019 ‘Estimating the prevalence of dementia in Europe’
**Figure referenced from Pierce, T., O’Shea, E. and Carney P. (2018) Estimates of the prevalence, incidence and severity of dementia in Ireland.
Back, Left to Right: James McCarrick Aurivo Board Member, Raymond Barlow Aurivo Chairman, Donal Tierney CEO Aurivo.
Front Left to right: Marilyn Phillips Group Head of HR Aurivo, Clair Culkin ASI Service Manager for Sligo/Leitrim, Carol Molloy ASI Operations Manager, North West & North East, Kerri-Ann Warren ASI Corporate Fundraiser.
