FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Aviva Stadium and Levy Ireland Announce ‘Return for Children’ Support from Aer Lingus Football Classic Match
Dublin, August 21st, 2024 –Aviva Stadium and Levy Ireland are delighted to support the Re-turn charity initiative, ‘Return for Children’, which encourages fans to make a positive impact through recycling. Starting with the Aer Lingus Football Classic match (August 24th), fans will have the opportunity to donate their plastic bottles, in support of the Return for Children six children's charities.
Launched in conjunction with Re-turn – operators of Ireland's Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) – visitors to Aviva Stadium can now donate their plastic bottles at designated Re-turn orange bins. All deposit proceeds will support the six national ‘Return for Children’ charities: Barnardos Ireland, Barretstown, Childline by ISPCC, Jack & Jill Foundation, LauraLynn Children’s Hospice, and Make-A-Wish Ireland. Donations will be split evenly across all charities, which address different aspects of children's needs, from healthcare and support for serious illnesses to providing essential services and advocacy for vulnerable children.
It is estimated that the Aer Lingus Football Classic alone could raise up to three thousand euros for these worthy causes. To maximise awareness and participation, the initiative will be promoted extensively throughout the Aviva Stadium.
Alongside raising vital funds, this campaign also promotes recycling and the reduction of the environmental impact of single-use drink containers at large-scale events, turning the recycling process into a force for positive change.
Aviva Stadium’s Head of Sustainability, Aidan Byrne said of the initiative: "We're delighted to partner with Levy Ireland and Re-turn on this innovative initiative. By reducing waste and promoting recycling, we're taking a significant step towards a more sustainable future. We encourage all of our fans to participate and make a positive impact while also making a tangible difference in the lives of children.
Martina Flood, Operations Director of Levy Ireland, expresses her enthusiasm, stating: "This initiative perfectly aligns with Levy Ireland and Aviva Stadium's commitment to sustainability and giving back to the community. By encouraging recycling and supporting local charities, the partnership ensures that every returned single-use drink container contributes to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly Ireland."
Ciaran Foley, CEO of Re-turn, said: "We’re delighted to partner with the Aviva Stadium and Levy Ireland in supporting our charity initiative 'Return for Children' and the valuable work being carried out in communities across Ireland. Through this partnership, we hope to not only provide the facilities for visitors to donate their plastic bottles, but also to highlight the importance of recycling and the impact of Deposit Return.
Speaking on behalf of the six charities, Make-A-Wish CEO, Susan McQuaid O’Dwyer, commented: "We are thrilled Aviva Stadium has come on board to support the 'Return for Children' initiative and are excited to partner with them for upcoming events. Aviva Stadium provides us with a wonderful platform to make a tangible difference to vulnerable children and those facing serious illnesses across Ireland, and we are incredibly grateful for their support."
‘Return for Children’ will be rolled out across all Levy Ireland partner venues in the coming weeks and months.
Ends
This video explaining the ‘Return for Children’ fundraising initiative will be displayed at Aviva Stadium.
Photo Caption: Ciaran Foley, CEO of Re-turn; Susan McQuaid O’Dwyer, representing Return for Children; and Aidan Byrne, Head of Sustainability, Aviva Stadium; launching ‘Return for Children’ initiative at Aviva Stadium, Dublin.
About Re-turn:
DRSI CLG, trading as Re-turn, is a new company limited by guarantee and was established by beverage producers and retailers in order to fulfil their obligations under the Separate Collection (Deposit Return Scheme) Regulations 2021.
The new Scheme brings together all parties involved in the manufacture, selling and consumption of beverages and has proved successful internationally in increasing collection rates.
For more information on Ireland’s Deposit Return Scheme please visit Re-turn or email info@re-turn.ie
About Return for Children
‘Return for Children’ is a new charity fundraising initiative supporting six national children’s charities—Barnardos, Barretstown, Make-A-Wish Ireland, Jack and Jill Foundation, LauraLynn Children’s Hospice, and Childline by ISPCC—launched in collaboration with Re-turn, the operators of Ireland’s Deposit Return Scheme.
This charity initiative empowers the public to make a meaningful impact on the lives of vulnerable children and those with serious illnesses by simply recycling. ‘Return for Children’ offers a unique opportunity for everyone to contribute to both environmental sustainability and charitable giving.
Event organisers, businesses, and community leaders who would like to offer the option to donate Re-turn logo plastic bottle and can deposits to ‘Return for Children’ can get in touch with Re-turn by emailing info@re-turn.ie for further information.
