Kildare Children Celebrating National Pyjama Day To Raise Funds For Sensational Kids And Early Childhood Ireland

Friday, 22 November 2024 09:45

By Hannah Kelly

Early Childhood Ireland CEO Teresa Heeney and children from Creative Kids & Co in Basin Lane in Dublin celebrate National Pyjama Day 2024. Photo credit - Marc O’Sullivan

It follows the recent news that funds for Sensational Kids' new National Child Development Centre in Kildare have been withheld

3,154 children across Kildare are celebrating National Pyjama Day 2024 today.

50 Early Years and School Age Care settings across the county will welcome children wearing their comfiest pyjamas, dressing gowns and slippers to their settings.

The funds will go towards supporting Sensational Kids, an award-winning social enterprise that works with children who have sensory processing challenges, as well as going towards Early Childhood Ireland's Eco-Emotions projects, which provides educators and parents with the tools needed to support children in caring for themselves.

This follows the recent news that the planned National Child Development Centre in Kildare Town has been forced to halt construction.

Sensational Kids, the charity behind the project, cites a freeze on €4.8 million in promised funding as the cause of the standstill, leaving families of thousands of children in limbo.

Sensational Kids were told by the IIP on 16th October that it will not release the remaining 50% of €9.6 million funding previously committed to the project.

The reason given for this decision is a shortfall of an additional €4 million needed for the fit out of the facility currently under construction.

Commenting on the annual fundraiser, Early Childhood CEO Teresa Heeney said, "Our Eco-Emotions project and Sensational Kids’ mission will make a real difference in the lives of children and it's all down to the funds raised today by children in their PJs. Every year, we’re blown away by the support of family and friends who donate to this fantastic cause. Happy National Pyjama Day 2024 to all".

Find out how to donate at www.earlychildhoodireland.ie/pyjama-day.

More from Local News

Fatal Celbridge Crash: Driver Jailed After Leaving Scene Without Reporting Friend Inside Car

After crashing into a truck on the Dublin Road at Celbridge, 22-year-old Jake Kelly, of Ballyfermot Road, Ballyfermot, Dublin, fled the scene. Jake Kelly was driving so fast when he crashed into the back of a heavy goods truck that was stopped at some traffic lights that the truck was shoved forward by 1.4m.
Gardaí Search Five Premises In Kildare, Dublin And Tipperary As Part Of Housing Sector Probe

The searches took place at five premises on Friday, December 12th, and were conducted by the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau, with assistance from the Corporate Enforcement Authority.
80 Drug-Driving Cases Before Naas Court So Far This Year Amid Calls For Tougher Penalties

The figures come as 170 people have died on Irish roads so far in 2025, seven more than at the same point last year.
Kildare Gets One Of Smallest Shares In €3.2m Domestic Violence Funding

Kildare had one of the higher rates of domestic abuse calls to Gardaí last year, at 13.28 per 1,000 people – above the national average
Electricity Bills To Increase Next Year As Households To Shoulder Majority Of Power Grid Overhaul

Domestic customers will cover 55 per cent of the cost, with businesses paying the remainder.
Bus Éireann Confirms January Expressway Fare Increase, Cites Insurance And Fuel Costs

The company is blaming increases in its cost base, including maintenance and insurance.
NTA Plans 24-Hour Bus Linking Newbridge, Naas And Dublin City Centre

Public consultation on the proposals is open until January 10th, 2026.
Visiting Only Allowed For Critical Or Compassionate Reasons At Naas Hospital Amid Surge In Flu Cases

Visiting is now permitted for critical or compassionate reasons only, and must be arranged in advance with the nurse in charge.