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.