MUNSTER rugby legend and Barnardos ambassador Keith Earls has launched a raffle to raise much-needed funds for the children’s charity during the Covid19 Crisis.
The Limerick man will raffle the jersey he wore against New Zealand in Ireland’s first win over the All Blacks on home soil in a bid to raise €15,000 for children in Ireland.
Any donation at Keith’s Go Fund Me page will enter the donor into a raffle for this collector’s item. The public can enter the raffle through Keith’s social media pages or his Go Fund Me Page.
“I am hoping to raise as much money as possible for Barnardos. Their front line staff have rapidly adapted their essential services to children and families since the Coronavirus crisis began,” he told the Limerick Post.
“Barnardos are delivering door drops with basics, like food parcels and baby supplies as well as providing vital emotional and practical support to families who are reaching breaking point.
“That’s why I’m running this fundraiser and would encourage people to donate what they can if they are interested in owning this jersey – it was worn during a pivotal game for Irish Rugby and I am hoping it is something of a collector’s item,” said Keith.
“No matter what you can give, big or small, it will go a very long way in supporting Ireland’s most vulnerable children and families at this time. Anyone who donates will be included in the raffle – which I will draw on Tuesday, April 7,” he said.
Barnardos fundraising director Mary Gamble said that the families they work with, who were already living in stressful situations, are now experiencing a pressure cooker effect – children are living with domestic abuse, parental mental health challenges, neglect, acrimonious separation and family breakdown and addiction – now with no escape.
“They are also in need of food, nappies and other essential items that they would have received coming to Barnardos centres.
“We are so grateful to Keith for running this fundraiser – the money raised will ensure we will continue to reach, and provide support to, children that need us most. I urge you to please donate what you can afford”.
You can enter the raffle on GoFundMe.
