Woodie's colleagues in Mayo get behind Woodie's Heroes

Woodie's annual fundraising campaign, Woodie’s Heroes, has returned for 2026. Now in its 12th year, the campaign supports four Irish children’s charities. This year's chosen charities are: Autism Assistance Dogs Ireland, ISPCC Childline, Down Syndrome Ireland and Cancer Fund for Children.

Since launching in 2015, Woodie’s Heroes has raised more than €4.7 million for children’s charities across Ireland thanks to the generosity of Woodie’s customers, colleagues and suppliers.

Each year, the charities are selected by Woodie’s colleagues across the country, including the Mayo store in Castlebar, ensuring the campaign supports causes close to the hearts of local communities.

From now until August 9, customers can make a donation at the till in any Woodie’s store nationwide or donate online via the campaign iDonate page. One-hundred per cent of your donation goes directly to the charities and is divided equally.

This year’s campaign is brought to life by four inspiring ambassadors whose personal stories demonstrate the life-changing impact these charities have on children, young people and families throughout Ireland.

Representing Autism Assistance Dogs Ireland is nine-year-old Ciarán Dawson from Lusk, Co. Dublin; Dublin DJ, radio presenter and volunteer Marty Guilfoyle will represent ISPCC Childline; six-year-old Maisie Flanagan from Dublin is representing Down Syndrome Ireland; and 14-year-old Michael Gavin from Kill, Co. Kildare, is representing Cancer Fund for Children.

Commenting on this year’s campaign, Damien Dwyer, CEO of Woodie’s, stated: “For over a decade, Woodie’s Heroes has brought together our colleagues, customers and suppliers to support children, young people and families facing some of life’s toughest challenges. Every year we are inspired by the incredible resilience shown by the families and organisations involved.

“This year’s ambassadors, Ciarán, Marty, Maisie and Michael, each have a unique story to tell, but together they highlight the extraordinary impact these charities have every day across Ireland. We are proud to support their work and would encourage our customers and communities to get behind Woodie’s Heroes 2026 and help us continue making a real difference.”

Funds raised through this year’s campaign will support a range of vital services, including assistance dog training and family support programmes, Childline’s confidential listening service for children and young people, early years speech and language support for children with Down Syndrome, and emotional and therapeutic support services for children and young people affected by cancer and their families.