AS part of its Community Awards and Charitable Donations Programme, Analog Devices has made financial donations to 39 charitable organizations and voluntary groups across the Munster region – the majority in Limerick City and County. The donations come at a time when many charities have had to pause or adapt their fundraising efforts due to the impact of the pandemic.
Analog Devices employs almost 1,300 people at its sites in Limerick and Cork. Each year the company engages with its employees about where their charity funding should go. Having received over 300 nominations, a wide variety of organizations were chosen ranging from frontline charities to schools and from social enterprises to artistic and sporting organizations.
Cork Penny Dinners, Samaritans, Northstar Family Support and Novas were among some of the frontline charities to have benefited from the generous programme; all of whom are helping those most impacted by Covid-19while also operating with fewer volunteers as a result of restrictions.
Speaking on behalf of Cork Penny Dinners, a charity which serves up to 2,000 freshly made meals per week, Catriona Toomey welcomed the donation saying, “We are very mindful of those who think about us and support us through donations. You are the wind beneath our wings. We have a very tough day, working almost 24/7, but we see the huge difference that our service makes to people’s lives every day. This contribution is part of a lifeline to those who are struggling.”
Liskennett Farm, which provides equine therapy services for children and adults with autism, was another charity to benefit. David Doyle, Liskennett Farm, said “Due to Covid-19 a lot of fundraising activities had to be postponed. We rely so much on donations and we are extremely grateful to Analog Devices. We are considered an essential service so we’re delighted we could stay open although with reduced numbers.”
Donations were made across four category types: Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze. As the company’s long-standing charity of choice, Milford Hospice received the platinum donation.
Gold and silver donations were awarded to eight registered charities, including; Crumlin Children’s Health Foundation, the Samaritans in Limerick/Tipperary, Jack and Jill Foundation, Liskenette Equine Therapy Centre, Northstar Family Support Project, Cork Penny Dinners, Novas and Research Motor Neurone.
30 schools, sports clubs, artistic organizations and charitable causes across Munster received donations under the bronze category. (See list below for bronze recipients)
Leo McHugh, VP, Marketing, Channel & Customer Experience, ADI said, “The last year has been extremely challenging for everyone, for our employees and for those in our wider community. Many of the organizations chosen play a critical role in supporting the needs of the more vulnerable in our communities and while others like the sporting clubs can’t necessarily fulfill their mission right now because of restrictions, their services may be in more demand than ever when we move out of this crises. We hope that the contribution that we’ve made will help them continue to do what they do in this difficult environment.”
Shane Geary, VP, Manufacturing Division, ADI said, “There is a huge interest from our employees in how we engage with our local community. The organizations that they nominated are close to their hearts for many different reasons. At a time when many charities are struggling to run their usual fundraising activities, we are delighted to be able to continue supporting so many worthwhile organisations through our community donation programme.”
Analog Devices normally organises a special reception for all benefactors, but the formal presentation of the cheques had to be cancelled this year due to Covid-19 restrictions.
