Kilkenny company staff aiming to raise €40,000 for mental health charity Aware this weekend

Up to 50 Tirlán employees are lacing up their boots this coming weekend and scaling new heights to raise needed funds for Aware.

The volunteers have been in training for the Tirlán Mountain Challenge, a charity hike that will take place in Connemara National Park, and includes part of the Maumturks mountain range. The climb takes place over two days, this Friday and Saturday, October 11 and 12, 2024.

The farmer-owned cooperative has a long and proud history and tradition of fundraising, supporting local communities and assisting in many worthy causes and the organisers have set a €40,000 fundraising target for this year’s event.

Dr Lisa Koep, Head of ESG at Tirlán, is one of the Tirlán Mountain Challenge participants. “Raising funds for worthy causes working in our communities has always been a tradition in Tirlán and it central to our ‘Living Proof’ sustainability strategy.

“As we climb, we will be thinking of the many people who face very different challenges every single day of their lives but who dig deep and overcome them, often with the support of hands-on charities such as Aware. Their strength and courage will drive us on as we complete our fundraising climb.”

James Brennan, Tirlán Mountain Challenge organiser, said: “There has always been a fantastic community spirit among our teams at Tirlán. We’re training hard and looking forward to this two-day fundraiser.

“We thank our families, friends and colleagues who have already donated and encourage any Tirlán suppliers or members of our wider communities to help us meet our ambitious fundraising target again this year.”

Stephen Butterly, Head of Fundraising at Aware said: “Depression is a significant societal issue that is impacting families and communities all over Ireland, every single day. We want to be here for everyone who needs us. Recognition and support from corporate organisations like Tirlán benefit us hugely in our quest to achieve that.

“Charity partnerships like this one with Tirlán do much more than fundraise to support our nationwide services. They raise awareness. They break the stigma. They start conversations about how people are feeling, what supports can be accessed and can make a real difference to the many out there who are still struggling in silence.”

Aware is a national organisation supporting people impacted by depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety and related mood conditions. To donate, please click on the link below https://www.idonate.ie/event/tirlanmountainchallenge2024