Giving back

Becky Bristow FCCA, general manager, Dillon Quirke Foundation

Sudden Adult Death Syndrome kills on average 100 young people in Ireland every year. Out of one such tragedy in 2022, the Dillon Quirke Foundation was born. ‘We offer free cardiac screening to 12 to 17-year-olds via sports clubs, spreading awareness of how preventable these deaths could be with a simple test,’ Becky Bristow FCCA, general manager of the foundation, explains. The ultimate goal is that ‘in a decade, it will have become completely normal to have your child’s heart screened’.

‘People are more open to donating to a new charity in the run up to Christmas. Key to that is building trust that their donation will have the best possible impact,’ says Bristow.

The Dillon Quirke Foundation is the chosen charity for this year’s ACCA Ireland Christmas lunch on 12 December (see boxout). Honoured by the opportunity, Bristow hopes it will help spread word of its work in communities and networks. ‘Our big hope in 2026 is that sports clubs and parents would start organising cardiac screening themselves. It’s less than €100.’

For ACCAs looking to make giving back a longer-term commitment, Bristow says: ‘Do it! Your technical skills are unbelievably valuable to any charity. But think about what it is you are offering before making contact. Hard-pressed NGO staff won’t have time to figure out how your (unknown) skills might be useful to them.’

Martin Hannigan FCCA, director of finance, IT and governance, Barnardos

Barnardos works with children, families and communities throughout the year with evidence-based programmes designed to bring about lasting, positive change.

‘The festive season is a period of joy, but for families experiencing financial or social challenges, it often brings significant stress and anxiety,’ says Martin Hannigan FCCA, director of finance, IT and governance. ‘As early as September, the parents we work with begin to question how they will afford food, heating and even small gifts for their children.’

The Barnardos Cost of Living 2025 Report found that almost half of families are going without or cutting back on basic essentials; one-third are in arrears on energy bills; and 19% have had to reduce or skip meals.

Donations from the Irish public and corporate partners in the lead up to the festive period are critical to supporting the charity in its work. Hannigan says: ‘We are deeply encouraged by the generosity we see, but the need for support continues to grow each year.’

Hannigan encourages ACCA members to consider joining the finance, audit or risk committees of charities, or serving on boards. ‘You’ll not only be supporting the integrity of the not-for-profit sector, but gain deep professional insight into the challenges of managing limited resources responsibly.’

Helen Redmond FCCA, director of finance and support services, Irish Heart Foundation

The Irish Heart Foundation works to eliminate preventable death and disability from heart disease and stroke, and supports those living with these life-changing conditions. Helen Redmond FCCA, director of finance and support services, is proud of its track record in ‘building a nation of lifesavers through CPR training, campaigning for patients, and supporting people living with heart disease and stroke’.

With just 12% of funding coming from government, the generosity of individuals and corporates is critical. One of its most popular fundraising challenges – 12 Dips in December – centres on the festive season and invites people to take a dozen plunges into chilly sea or river waters (or an ice bath).

Christmas brings to mind those no longer with us and ‘many of the donations we receive at this time of year are in memory of a loved one’, Redmond explains.

Whether by donation or getting involved in its fundraising opportunities and events, there’s a role for everyone in supporting the Irish Heart Foundation, Redmond concludes. ‘Influencing government policy around national health challenges needs every policy, person and community working together.’

Tim O’Mahony FCCA, CEO, Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind

Through the provision of highly trained service dogs, Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind gives people with visual impairments and children with autism greater independence and mobility. Its services are offered free of charge and fundraising is essential for the work it does.

‘It costs €5m to run our organisation each year with 85% of funding coming from the generosity of the public, corporate support and legacies,’ CEO Tim O’Mahony FCCA says.

Christmas is a busy period for the charity on many fronts. ‘Our focus turns to closing out targets and setting up for the new year across the organisation, including broods, pups in training and fundraising,’ he adds.

A special Santa’s Grotto at the charity’s HQ on Model Farm Road in Cork City has proved hugely popular in recent years and returns on 6 and 7 December. Celebrations will remain in focus in 2026 as the charity’s 50th anniversary is marked by a range of national fundraising events highlighting how a community of breeders, puppy raisers, home socialisers, temporary boarders, trainers, staff, volunteers and supporters all work together.

‘Giving to the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind means being able to say you made a direct contribution to what we do – and what we do is transform lives,’ O’Mahony says with pride.