How You Can Help FirstLight
Demand for FirstLight’s services has increased very substantially since 2019, with 373 families supported in 2022, compared to 207 in 2021 and 147 in 2020. Donations and fundraising events have been a very important source of income to FirstLight and have supported the provision of free professional counselling services to families around the country whose child has died suddenly.
With continuing support, FirstLight can provide timely professional crisis intervention and counselling services to families at this most challenging time. Often, when we want to help, we just don’t know where to start. This is why FirstLight has put together the FirstLight Fundraising Guide, which we hope will inspire and assist anyone who wishes to support our services.
How to Fundraise on Behalf of FirstLight?
While no two fundraising events will be the same, we have some suggestions you may find helpful in putting together your event. However, remember, FirstLight is here to help every step of the way if you need it. We can supply fundraising materials such as flyers, collection buckets, posters, and t-shirts. So please do not hesitate to phone or email the head office at any stage, we are more than happy to assist in whatever way we can T: 01-8732711 OR E [email protected].
Charity Dip or Cold-Water Challenge
Take the plunge and organise a Charity Dip or Cold-Water Swimming Event! It can be a great way to connect with nature and with others. If you are organising a charity swim event, you have a responsibility to ensure adequate water safety measures are in place, to reduce the possible risks to attendees. An application to the local authority may be required for permission to access the location. Water Safety Ireland provides guidelines for several charity swim types, including charity dips, swims up to 3km and swims over 4km.
The FirstLight Fundraising Guide has more information on hosting such an event
Golf (Or Other Sport) Tournament
Play a full 18-hole PGA-style tournament, or simply make it a putting or a miniature golf tournament for a kid-friendly affair. Charge green fees as donations. Book in with a public course or ask the captain or president of your local golf course to host your event. If golf isn’t your sport, a similar format could be applied to a football, rugby, tennis, dodgeball, baseball or cricket tournament.
The FirstLight Fundraising Guide has more information on hosting such an event
The Mile in Memory Walk
The Mile in Memory Walk is a special remembrance event where parents, families, friends and colleagues come together as a community in memory of a child or young person. Walk in memory, listen to parents’ stories, light a remembrance candle, and experience the power of healing through community. FirstLight’s 2023 Mile in Memory Remembrance Walk will take place on Father’s Day, Sunday, June 18th. However, you may choose to host a mile in a memory walk at any time.
The FirstLight Fundraising Guide has more information on hosting such an event
Corporate Fundraising
FirstLight always welcomes the opportunity to develop new corporate relationships. We work with companies who believe in our values and want to make a difference in their community. By partnering with FirstLight, you will be aligning with an incredibly well-loved and inspiring charity and our cause will motivate and unite your staff. If you would be interested in partnering with us, please reach out to our general manager Andrew at [email protected]
Events
17 March 2023Mullingar Half Marathon 2023
The Aon Mullingar Half Marathon is an annual event in the heart of the Midlands, with the next event on Friday, 17 March 2023. This flat course is ideal for a first half marathon or to achieve a PB. Starting in the town center, the route runs out to the countryside, along the Royal Canal and back to the Mullingar Town Park to the finish line. For further details: www.mullingarhalfmarathon.com
Mullingar
30 April 2023The Great Limerick Run 2023
The Great Limerick Run is back on Sunday, 30th April 2023, with a distance for everybody. It is the biggest mass participation sporting event outside Dublin. Choose from a marathon, a marathon relay, a half marathon or a 6-mile event. For further details: www.greatlimerickrun.com
Limerick
4 June 2023Cork City Marathon 2023
The Cork City Marathon is back on Sunday, 4th June 2023 with a Marathon, Half Marathon, and 10k event. The course takes you through the beautiful and unique streetscapes of Cork City and its suburbs. For further details: www.corkcitymarathon.ie
Cork City
18 June 2023Mile in Memory Walk 2023
FirstLight’s annual Mile in Memory Remembrance Walk will take place on Father’s Day Sunday, June 18th, nationwide. If you would like to host a walk in your area please email [email protected] or phone 01-8732711
Nationwide
4 June 2023VHI Women’s Mini Marathon 2023
The VHI Women's Mini Marathon is an annual 10k charity road race, occurring each June bank holiday weekend in Dublin and is the largest women's event of its kind in the world. This year it takes place on Sunday 4th June. For further details: www.vhiwomensminimarathon.ie
Dublin
9 October 2023Baby Loss Awareness Week 2023
Baby Loss Awareness Week is an annual collaboration between more than 60 charities across the UK and Ireland- from the 9th to 15th of October. Baby Loss Awareness Week aims to raise awareness about the key issues affecting those who have experienced a sudden loss of a child. For further details: www.babyloss-awareness.org
Global
15 October 2023Global Wave of Light 2023
Please join FirstLight for the Global Wave of Light Sunday, October 15th at 7 pm. Baby Loss Awareness Week finishes each year on October 15th with the Global Wave of Light’. October 15th is also International Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day and is recognised across the world we would like to invite you to join with other families across the world and take part in the Global Wave of Light’. For further details: www.babyloss-awareness.org
Global
29 October 2023Irish Life Dublin Marathon 2023
The Irish Life Dublin Marathon is the fourth-largest marathon in Europe. More than 20,000 runners from over 60 countries will take to Dublin city centre course on October 29th 2023. The race takes in many of Dublin's historic landmarks and finishes in the heart of the city. For further details visit: www.irishlifedublinmarathon.ie
Dublin
