Ireland’s leading farmer-owned dairy and grain co-operative, Tirlán, and its employees, have chosen Aware as their new charity partner.
As part of the new partnership arrangement, many of Tirlán’s network of 2,300 employees will fundraise for the mental health charity. The company will also make a corporate donation to support Aware’s invaluable work in communities nationwide.
The move will also raise awareness of the essential role Aware plays in Ireland today, as the national organisation supporting people impacted by depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety and related mood conditions. In 2023, the charity directly supported up to 40,000 people via its support and education services.
‘BREAKING THE STIGMA’
Last year alone, Tirlán and its employees raised €116,000 for worthy causes and created a positive impact in communities across the south-east, midlands and north-east.
Tirlán, which is home to many household brands such as Avonmore, Kilmeaden, Wexford, mymilkman.ie and GAIN Animal Nutrition, also proudly supports its communities through donations of funding and product via its 11 production facilities and 52 retail branches.
Tirlán chairperson, John Murphy explained: “As a farmer-owned cooperative, we’re rooted in our communities and eager to support worthy causes that make a real difference on the ground. The incidence of anxiety and depression was exacerbated during the pandemic when people were forced to isolate and cut out social interactions. This has left an enduring legacy.
“Aware plays an even more vital role in such a prevailing environment and we’re delighted to support the charity’s work. Farming and living in rural Ireland can be isolating at times. But organisations like Aware are breaking the stigma, encouraging people to talk and to get support. Our mental health is just as important as our physical health. We’re honoured to play our part in supporting Aware’s work.”
As well as raising this figure for charity last year, Tirlán also provided significant support to the Cois Nore cancer service in Kilkenny and supported other activities in the communities where its network of 11 production facilities and 52 retail branches are based. It also partnered with Riding for the Disabled Ireland to assist the charitable organisation in its ongoing drive to recruit volunteers and appropriate riding centres for its riders.
Throughout 2023, Tirlán also provided significant financial commitment to agricultural shows and food festivals, such as Savour Kilkenny and the West Waterford Festival of Food.
