Today is a special day for Special Olympics Ireland and we can all as individuals play our part.

The National Collection Day is the single biggest source of revenue for the sport that brings joy, hope and energy to people with an intellectual disability and their families.

It has not been held in person for three years and while the gap has been plugged by online efforts, great partnerships and a tie-up with Revolut as well as the creation of a top-class Don’t Stop Now campaign, the physical act of responding to a fellow human being and putting money in a bucket is still powerful and perhaps irreplaceable.

If like me you are doing your 5K, do so with pride and energy wearing your t-shirt.

The pandemic has hit hoard. Today there are 2,000 volunteers on the streets of Ireland, half the number there was three years ago. You might have to walk a bit further to donate, or those that are out may be doing a few extra hours.

I have done it before and will do so again and it is something that gives you a whole new perspective on the generosity of people. There is the genuine warmth of people who will engage as they donate, ask a question or share a story. Brilliant.

There are those and there will be many of those today who simply say “sorry no change” and there will be those who don’t engage at all as if not making any eye contact means you don’t exist.

Before you leave the house this morning, go to the shops or go out for a walk, rummage in the drawer or behind the couch and find some change, better still go to an ATM and take out a tenner to make a paper donation. They bring a smile to the collector’s face.

Say hi and smile to the collector. They’ve given up their time and they will respond. Do your bit to find out a little more about the Special Olympics and the wonderful athletes they create space for and serve.

“We would like to thank our volunteers out shaking buckets today, everyone taking part in our virtual 5k for Collection Day, static cycles in shopping centres, corporate coffee mornings, everyone has been so supportive,” said Matt English, CEO of Special Olympics Ireland.

“I would appeal to the public to give what they can into our donation buckets, which have been upgraded to allow for tap donations too. If you don’t come across a bucket collection we have so many quick and easy ways to donate including Revolut or online at specialolympics.ie. No donation is too small.”

Please give a little and take a moment. The collector will remember your kindness and the 8,000 athletes are depending not merely on the Irish public but on you.

Sport for Business Partners