Purple Day®, the global grassroots event dedicated to raising funds and awareness for epilepsy worldwide, will take place on Saturday 26th March. Epilepsy Ireland is appealing to the Irish public to get behind the event, which has become the organisation’s flagship annual fundraising day.
In more than 85 countries across the globe, people will come together to support epilepsy organisations in thousands of fun and creative, purple-themed events.
In Ireland, businesses and volunteers across the country will be wearing purple and organising purple events, challenges, fun-runs and even head shaves to support the work of Epilepsy Ireland. Landmark buildings across the country will also be lit up purple, including George’s Quay Pyramids, the Rock of Cashel, Blackrock Castle, the Guinness Storehouse and more.
Epilepsy Ireland is the national organisation supporting and representing people with epilepsy and their families. Head of Fundraising & Development, Stephen Lowry, explains the work of Epilepsy Ireland, “We are there for people with epilepsy and their families from the time of diagnosis and throughout all the twists and turns that can be part of their journey living with the condition.
“Despite all the challenges brought about by the pandemic over the past two years, we have been unwavering in our mission to achieve a society where no person’s life is limited by epilepsy. Our determination to support and advocate for the needs of the 40,000 people with epilepsy has continued unabated and with the support of the Irish public this Purple Day®, we will continue to do so long into the future.”
The charity, which operates from 10 locations across the country, has experienced a 50% drop in fundraised income due to the pandemic and this year’s Purple Day® is the first, long-awaited opportunity to return to community-based fundraising in over two years.
“Our volunteer-led fundraising events are vital not only in supporting those affected by epilepsy in the community, but also in funding pioneering Irish epilepsy research, advocating for the needs of people with epilepsy and improving public understanding of the condition”, says Stephen Lowry.
To donate to the campaign, get your Purple Day® wristband or learn more about the work of Epilepsy Ireland, please visit www.epilepsy.ie. To find out more about how you can get involved in promoting Purple Day® in your community, workplace or school, email the Epilepsy Ireland team at fundraising@epilepsy.ie or call 01 4557500.
Purple Day is a Registered Trademark of The Anita Kaufmann Foundation. See Purpledayeveryday.org.
