Nestlé’s employees in Ireland have committed to raise over €120,000 for Irish Autism Action (IAA) in a three year partnership announced recently. The new partnership with IAA involves over 700 employees from Nestlé Ireland, Citywest and Nestlé's Wyeth Nutrition infant formula plant in Askeaton, Co. Limerick. The IAA states that one in every hundred people in Ireland is affected by autism and its services bring early intervention and practical educational support to children with autism and their families. These funds will go towards providing Sibling Support (sibshops) to families and providing Social Skills workshops to help children on the autism spectrum develop essential communication and social skills.
Deirdre O'Donoghue, Country Manager, Nestlé Ireland says: "Our staff voted the IAA as their staff charity of the year due to their compelling story of the practical support they provide, both in and out of the home, to families who are impacted by autism. The work of IAA makes a real difference to the potential development of children with autism and plays a hugely positive role to assist them live their lives to their fullest potential. We are proud and delighted to partner with IAA to assist them realise their ambitions and objectives.”
According to John O'Sullivan, Factory Manager, Wyeth Nutrition: "This is also a huge opportunity for us to use the collective fundraising power of our two Nestlé sites with one goal to raise funds that will make a lasting difference to the work of IAA. We relish the opportunity to assist a charity that provides practical interventions for children with autism and their families, as well as raising awareness and creating a greater understanding of autism across Ireland.”
Irish Autism Action doesn’t get state funding for the services it provides. Kevin Whelan, Chief Executive, Irish Autism Action states, “we depend entirely on the generosity of the public and on corporate support. The numbers affected by autism in Ireland are growing, and education, care, support, and equality are serious issues for these vulnerable members of our society and their families”.
“Companies like Nestlé that give something back to the community, and pledge their support to the more vulnerable in our society, deserve our utmost admiration and support. Many thanks to Nestlé and all their staff for committing to raise these much needed funds for IAA,” Mr Whelan concluded.
The two sites are planning a wide range of fundraising initiatives for the duration of the partnership.
-ENDS-
For further information:
Nestlé: Siobhan Molloy
Weber Shandwick PR
(01) 6798600/086 8175066
IAA: Caroline Moody Communications
Irish Autism Action
(01) 2390654/087 2652485
About Nestlé in Ireland:
Nestlé Ireland is a subsidiary of Nestlé SA, the world's foremost nutrition, health and wellness company. Nestlé has over 70 brands across six categories in the Irish market including beverage, confectionery, cereals, food, petcare and infant nutrition. Its iconic brands include NESCAFÉ, KitKat, Rowntree's, Maggi, SMA Nutrition and Bakers. Over 80 million units of Nestlé products are sold in Ireland per annum. Nestlé Ireland has two sites located in Ireland including the City West site and the manufacturing site in Askeaton, Co. Limerick. Nestlé employs over 700 people in Ireland.