Employees at Volkswagen Group Ireland and Volkswagen Financial Services Ireland raised more than €25,000 for The Alzheimer Society of Ireland as part of a fundraising drive in 2021

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The year-long initiative, one of Volkswagen Group Ireland’s Essential commitments*, secured vital funds after staff chose The Alzheimer Society of Ireland as their charity partner at the start of 2021.

With the Covid-19 pandemic affecting fundraising efforts, events were held online rather than in person. Activities ranged from a virtual tea morning to online auctions and raffles. The highlight of last year’s fundraising activity was September’s We Walk The World challenge which saw Volkswagen Group Ireland staff walk, run and cycle 45,307km around the world in aid of their charity partner.

The Alzheimer Society of Ireland, which provides much needed care, respite, and information services for people living with dementia, is heavily reliant on donations to carry out its work. But, like many charities, its fundraising activity has been disrupted during the pandemic.

Commenting on the 12-month long fundraising effort, Alan Bateson, Board Member responsible for Corporate Social Responsibility, said “The Alzheimer Society of Ireland provides much needed care, respite, and information services for people living with dementia so I am thrilled on behalf of Volkswagen Group Ireland and Volkswagen Financial Services Ireland to raise this money. This was a collective effort by the staff of both companies over 12 months when we have been unable to meet up in person. The fact people threw themselves into this fundraising effort with such dedication is a measure of just how highly the Alzheimer Society of Ireland is perceived by our companies and in Ireland as a whole. I am extremely proud of everyone’s efforts on behalf of such a brilliant cause.”

Mairéad Dillon, Head of Fundraising at The Alzheimer Society of Ireland, said: “On behalf of The Alzheimer Society of Ireland, I would like to say a huge thank you to Volkswagen Group Ireland and Volkswagen Financial Services Ireland. The €25,000 the team worked so hard to raise during our partnership will be used to fund vital supports and services in the community and to ensure those living with dementia, along with their families, get the support they need. We are so very grateful to the management and staff who have taken such a keen interest in our charity. The ASI is heavily reliant on donations to provide our services, so we are very grateful to everyone at Volkswagen Group Ireland and Volkswagen Financial Services Ireland for all of their support.”