Mayo girl Iris Carty (3) ambassador for Woodie’s Heroes campaign

AS Woodie’s Heroes marks its 10th anniversary, the campaign has proudly announced three-year-old Iris Carty from Mayo as an ambassador for Down Syndrome Ireland in this year's fundraising initiative.

The Woodie’s Heroes 2024 campaign, running from now until August 10, aims to raise essential funds for four Irish children's charities: Down Syndrome Ireland, Autism Assistance Dogs Ireland, Children’s Health Foundation, and ISPCC Childline.

Iris lives with her family in Crossmolina. Her parents, James and Ciara, have found invaluable support from Down Syndrome Ireland since Iris’s birth.

James, a sergeant with An Garda Síochána, and Ciara, a theatre nurse at Mayo University Hospital, credit the charity with providing the tools and community they needed to navigate their journey.

James is also the chairperson of the Down Syndrome Ireland Mayo branch in Castlebar

Speaking about their experience, James and Ciara said: “The support from Down Syndrome Ireland has been a lifeline for us, particularly the speech and language therapy for Iris. It has not only benefited her but also brought us closer as a family.

“The community support has been incredible, connecting us with other families and providing a strong network of understanding and encouragement.”

The Woodie’s Heroes campaign aims to raise funds to further develop the Early Years Communication Programme for young children with Down Syndrome. This initiative is critical for families like the Cartys, ensuring children receive the necessary resources to reach their full potential.

Woodie’s CEO Damien Dwyer said: “This 10th anniversary of the Woodie’s Heroes campaign is a very significant year for us. We are thrilled to begin this special campaign, which reflects the commitment of our team and the generosity of our community.

“Thanks to the support of our dedicated colleagues, generous customers and valued suppliers, we have raised €3.6 million for Woodie's Heroes over the years and made a meaningful difference to Irish children's charities. We are excited to continue this wonderful journey and would love 2024 to be our biggest year yet so these charities can continue to make an impactful change in people's lives.

“Please get behind your local Woodie's store and help us support Woodie's Heroes from now until August 10.”

Donations are accepted in-store and at https://www.woodies.ie/ and the iDonate QR code. Every contribution goes directly to the chosen charities, ensuring they can continue their impactful work.

For more information about Woodie's Heroes and how you can support the campaign, please visit https://www.woodies.ie/.