AsIAm receives €135,000 in National Pyjama Day funding

Early Childhood Ireland is pleased to announce that €135,000 has been donated to autism charity, AsIAm, from funds raised during National Pyjama Day 2022.

The process was facilitated by Community Foundation Ireland.

Members of Early Childhood Ireland voted for AsIAm to benefit from the proceeds of National Pyjama Day, the largest one-day fundraising event organised by the Early Years and School Age Care sector in Ireland. On the day on November 2022, over 60,000 children were sponsored to wear their pjs into 1,100 of our member settings nationwide. In total, €349,222 was raised.

AsIAm will use the donation to drive its Child and Family Support Programme, which provides group-based support to autistic children and their families. It also builds the capacity of families to engage with support services and advocate for the critical support they require. You can find more information on these resources here: https://asiam.ie/asiam-child-and-family-support-programme/

Commenting on the funds raised, AsIAm CEO Adam Harris said: “The word that families in our community are most used to hearing is ‘no’. No I can’t help, no I’m not the right person to ask, no, there’s a waiting list. What our Child and Family Support Programme is doing is saying ‘yes’. Yes, we can help, yes you have come to the right place, let us help and offer some practical supports. This programme receives no government funding, it is only possible through the support of National Pyjama Day and initiatives like it, so we’re hugely grateful.”

Denise Charlton, Chief Executive, Community Foundation Ireland said: “Every child, parent and all members of Early Childhood Ireland should be immensely proud of an incredible achievement. AsIAm through its vital work transforms lives every day. The fact that children in such high numbers have been motivated through National Pyjama Day to support and show solidarity with this work is hugely encouraging for the future as we all seek equality for all in thriving communities.”

Running for 19 years, Early Childhood Ireland’s National Pyjama Day has raised more than €3.7 million in total for charities that support babies and young children.

As well as supporting autistic children via AsIAm, funds raised in 2022 are also supporting an important project for members of Early Childhood Ireland who provide high quality care and education to children all across Ireland. You can find more information on The Reggio Children Project, funded by National Pyjama Day, by clicking here.

Teresa Heeney, CEO, Early Childhood Ireland said: “Our members share our passion for and commitment to high quality for children. Every year, we are so proud of the generosity shown on National Pyjama Day. The funds raised make a significant impact on the lives of children and we are always proud to support that positive change.”