Make a difference: Longford companies invited to become a Jack and Jill 100 Hour Hero

The Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation is calling on companies across Longford to become part of its 100 Hour Heroes campaign in 2025, an initiative that provides essential in-home nursing care and respite support to families of children with severe learning disability often associated with complex medical needs, many of whom require 24hr care.

By pledging €1,800, companies can fund 100 hours of vital care, giving local families the priceless gift of time—time to rest, recharge, and focus on what matters most - caring for their children in the comfort of their own homes.

Since 1997, the Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation has supported over 3,100 families across Ireland including 27 in Longford by providing professional nursing care and respite support for these children and their families.

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Given the intensity of their care regime, understandably, their parents can be exhausted and need a break, which is where Jack and Jill comes in. This in-home care helps families stay together and gives them moments of rest and time to recharge that they desperately need.

“Every €18 helps provide one hour of care, and every hour makes a real difference,” says Michaella McMahon, Corporate Fundraising Manager at Jack and Jill. “By becoming a 100 Hour Hero, businesses not only impact the lives of local families but also align with a purpose-driven cause that resonates with employees and local communities.”

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Companies that join the 100 Hour Heroes campaign in 2025 will receive several benefits including a framed certificate, a window sticker and a digital badge to celebrate their support. Their participation will also be recognised across Jack and Jill’s digital platforms, including the charity’s website and social media channels.

Jack and Jill Liaison Nurse Manager for  Longford Cathy Keighrey said, “Since we were founded in 1997, our focus has always been empowering families to care for their child at home, because we know there is no care like home care. Typically, these children may be tube fed, oxygen dependent, may not sleep, take seizures, need a lot of medication and require around-the-clock care. So, understandably, their parents can be exhausted and need a break. With referrals increasing year on year, we hope that, by encouraging local businesses to support local families, we can continue to meet the needs of families under our care throughout 2025, and beyond.”

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Companies wishing to partake in the campaign can also claim donations as a tax deduction, further reducing the net cost of their contribution while maximising the impact of their donation.

To learn more or to become a Jack and Jill 100 Hour Hero, visit www.jackandjill.ie  and help make 2025 a year of hope and support for families in communities across Ireland - one hour at a time.

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