Kingspan raises over €70K for Irish Hospice Foundation

Building material firm Kingspan has presented a cheque for €72,500 to the Irish Hospice Foundation. The money raised will be used by IHF’s Nurses for Night Care, a national service providing free nursing care to families affected by non-cancer illnesses.

A team of nine people from the Kingscourt-based company were due be in Italy this week to take part in a 550km Cycle Challenge between June 28 and July 4 in aid of the Nurses for Night Care service.

Unfortunately the event was cancelled due to travel and safety restrictions during the Coronavirus pandemic, but the team in Kingspan continued to raise much-needed funds for the Irish charity.

Team Kingspan have participated in all of the IHF Cycles over the last 11 years. The Kingspan-sponsored cycle has raised over €2 million for the IHF since it started in 2009, of which over €400,000 was donated by the company, which manufactures high-performance insulation and building envelope solutions.

Over 4,500 families have been cared for by the Nurses for Night Care service with over 13,000 nights of care delivered since it was established.

Gene Murtagh, Chief Executive of Kingspan said: “Kingspan is delighted to be associated with the amazing work of the Irish Hospice Foundation. At a difficult time for families, the Nurses for Night Care service provide invaluable care and support. I have taken part in the Cycle Challenge several times and it was always a great experience planned by the fantastic organising team.

"The team at Kingspan, in particular the nine staff who planned to take part in the cycle, are thrilled to be able to present this cheque and provide funds at a time when charities like the IHF are struggling to raise money through their usual fundraising activities.”

Sharon Foley, chief executive, Irish Hospice Foundation thanked Kingspan for its continued support. "Despite cancelling the cycle, the team in Kingspan have continued to raise funds. It is a challenging time for many in the charity sector and the money raised is making such a huge difference to people and their families all over Ireland. It means they are able to spend their precious final moments together, at home,” she said.

Kingspan have a strong history of supporting Irish charities, local sporting organisations and community initiatives in the locality including Junior Achievement Ireland, Cavan GAA, Kingscourt Stars GAA, Ulster Rugby, and golfers Shane Lowry and Leona Maguire.

Kingspan has supported ARC Cancer Support Centres with a €15,000 donation this year, and a total of €126,000 donated since the company started working with this charity that provides vital support services to people diagnosed with cancer.

In light of the recent coronavirus pandemic, the Irish Hospice Foundation has launched an online care and information hub with additional supports for the Irish public and health care professionals. Information, support and advice are available for those requiring support, please visit the Irish Foundation website here.

Photo above: Alan Lawlor, Chief Financial Officer, Kingspan Insulation, presents a cheque for €72,500 to Louise McCarron, fund raising manager, Irish Hospice Foundation in support of their Italian Cycle Challenge 2020, which was unfortunately cancelled due to COVID-19. Credit: Paul Callaghan Photography