Over 980 children from Mayo to celebrate National Pyjama Day 2022

Over 980 children in Mayo will set off to their early years and school age care settings tomorrow (Friday) dressed in pyjamas, slippers and dressing gowns to celebrate National Pyjama Day – the annual fundraiser organised by Early Childhood Ireland.

Since 2003, the event has raised more than €3.7 million for charities that support children and babies. This year, 31 settings in Mayo are taking part.

The fundraiser will open to public donations for the first time this year, with proceeds going towards the autism charity AsIAm and Quality for Children, a new project for Early Childhood Ireland members which is focused on quality for children and inspired by the renowned Reggio Emilia approach.

The Reggio Emilia approach is an Italian educational philosophy which fosters a loving, inventive and creative environment where children, educators and families are supported.

Commenting ahead of National Pyjama Day, Teresa Heeney, CEO of Early Childhood Ireland, said: “This is a really special day for children and for those working in the early years and school age care sector. It’s all about children helping children and having fun. We’re delighted to see over 1,100 of our member settings across Ireland taking part, and we’re also open to public donations for the first time this year. The funds raised will support two worthy projects which will make a significant positive impact on the lives of children.”

For more information, follow the hashtag online #PJDay22 or to donate, visit www.earlychildhoodireland.ie/pyjama-day.