Kirby Group Engineering has presented the Irish Cancer Society with a cheque for €40,000 after a successful fundraising initiative.

Thirty Kirby employees from the Connacht region, individually ran, jogged and walked a full marathon over a weekend in May, in order to raise funds for this great cause.

Mikey Ryan, Associate Director, Connacht Business Unit Leader at Kirby presented the cheque to Adam Abbott, Community Fundraising Manager of the Irish Cancer Society.

Many people and businesses throughout the country have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Funding of charitable organisations has been hit particularly hard, especially after many fundraising events have been cancelled. Daffodil Day, which raises funds for cancer research every year, was one of many events that got cancelled due to the pandemic.

Mikey Ryan said: “The collapse in funding for charitable organisations has been devastating, requiring urgent support during these challenging times. We decided to join our forces and together with our suppliers, friends and family, we have shown the power of working together, even when apart. The fundraising event was a huge success and we are grateful to everyone who got involved and supported this initiative.”

Rosemary Simmons, Irish Cancer Society Corporate Partnerships Manager, said: “The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on our cancer community. We have worked hard to respond to this new and challenging environment while continuing to provide vital services such as end-of-life Night Nursing at home, and our Support Line for anyone affected by cancer.”

“The phenomenal funds raised by Kirby employees through their marathon challenge will help us to continue to provide these vital services for cancer patients, so I would like to say a big well done and massive thanks to all involved,” said Rosemary Simmons.

Corporate Social Responsibility is a very important part of Kirby’s culture and every year, the company makes a significant contribution to a substantial number of charities and community initiatives.

Founded in 1964 in Limerick, Kirby is a leading mechanical and electrical engineering contractor. The company’s regional offices are located in Galway, Limerick and Dublin. Kirby employs over 1,000 highly-skilled professionals and operates across Ireland, the UK and mainland Europe. Click here for more information.