Irish engineering firm in festive drive to support 15 charities across several countries.

Kirby Group Engineering, a leading mechanical and engineering contractor, has announced details of its Christmas 2024 donations programme, worth a total of €165,000 for deserving causes in Ireland and abroad. The programme is a major part of the company’s year-round fundraising schedule, which had already generated €250,000 in donations to over 90 local, national and international organisations this year.

This Christmas, Kirby is building on its relationship with several key charities and supporting others for the first time. The Society of St Vincent de Paul (SVP) will receive €50,000, while the Irish Cancer Society, Irish Red Cross and Unicef will each receive €25,000 and Birdwatch Ireland will receive €15,000.

The Limerick-headquartered company employs over 1800 people across Ireland, the UK, mainland Europe, and South Africa, and this growing footprint is reflected in its Christmas donation plans. The Wallich in Wales and Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS) are to receive £10,000 sterling each, while eight other organisations across Sweden, The Netherlands, Italy and South Africa are also being supported.

CEO of Kirby Group Engineering Mark Flanagan says the Christmas donation programme is highly valued at the company: “I’ve had the honour of leading this programme for several years and preparing it is a highlight of our calendar. We take our position in our own community and those where our teams are working very seriously and while we try to contribute all year round, this time of year is always a good time to make a particular effort. I’d also like to congratulate my colleagues who support and fundraise for good causes all year round – this kind of determination and community spirit are a big part of the Kirby identity which is a vital part of our business”.

Elizabeth Smyth, Head of Fundraising, Society of Saint Vincent de Paul said the donation is particularly welcome as the lead-up to Christmas is an important time for SVP with its Annual Appeal is in full-swing. “This generous donation from Kirby will be of great benefit to those we help in providing support for food and energy costs.” she said. “We cannot thank the Kirby Group enough for thinking of Saint Vincent de Paul”.

Jennifer Owens, Director of Finance and Corporate Services, Irish Cancer Society said: “On behalf of the Irish Cancer Society and all of those who will benefit from your kindness and generosity, I want to thank the Kirby Group for your incredible Christmas donation of €25,000.

This invaluable support will make a significant impact as our organisation works to improve the lives of people affected by cancer in Ireland. Thank you”.

UNICEF Ireland’s Executive Director, Peter Power, said: “UNICEF Ireland is grateful to the Kirby Group for their steadfast support of our mission to promote and protect the rights of every child. Kirby Group’s generous donation of €25,000 in 2024 to UNICEF Core Resources provides flexible support that can be directed where the need is greatest, from emergency response in disaster-stricken areas to ongoing health and education programmes”.

Head of Fundraising at the Irish Red Cross Charlie Lamson said, “The partnership we, the Irish Red Cross, have had with Kirby Group empowers our work to prevent and alleviate human suffering, at home in Ireland and abroad. Through the efforts of over 3,000 volunteers in more than 70 local branches across Ireland, we are involved on a daily basis in many aspects of community life. Thank you, once again, to Kirby Group for your generous commitment to our mission to be ‘always there’ for those in need.”

CEO of BirdWatch Ireland Linda Lennon said “All of us at BirdWatch Ireland are extremely grateful to Kirby Group Engineering for its very generous donation of €15,000. As a conservation charity, its recognition of the importance of our work is greatly appreciated and its support will make a real difference to our vital efforts to conserve Ireland’s wild birds, habitats and biodiversity.”

Chelsea Harrington is a Fundraiser at The Wallich. She says this donation is of great value to the team: “The Wallich supports more than 8,000 people a year to ensure no one goes without food, warmth and community. Thanks to the generous donation from Kirby, we can continue to help people at risk of homelessness or hardship with what they need, whenever they need it.”

Partnership Account Manager at CHAS Georgina Bushell said, “On behalf of Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS) and all the children and families who will be touched by Kirby Group’s generosity, I want to say a huge thank you for the amazing Christmas donation of £10,000. This donation will help us to reach every family that needs us so they can make precious memories together. Thank you.”