September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month – a time when we shine a light on what it means to live with and beyond childhood, adolescent and young adult cancer.
Did you know that the gold ribbon is the international symbol of childhood cancer. We #GoGold because our children are more precious than gold.
Read a blog on how Light it up Gold began in 2013, when a group of families impacted by childhood cancer came together for the first time.
Read more about our Gold Ribbon Heroes and Gold Ribbon Angels
Ways to #GoGold
Our Light it up Gold Campaign creates awareness by making childhood cancer more visible. We light prominent buildings gold during the month of September, including (not an exclusive list):
- The Rock of Cashel
- Liberty Hall
- City Hall
- Dublin Civic Offices
- Glenveigh Castle, Donegal
- Leitrim County Council
- Belfast City Hall
- Cavan Town Hall
- Shannon Airport
- Dunbrody Famine Ship
Light it up Gold Walk
We are delighted to bring back our Light it up Gold Walk this year on the 10th anniversary of our first walk in Dublin in 2013.
We come together in hope and remembrance, for all of those currently undergoing treatment, for survivors and for all of the children and young people who have sadly passed away.This year our candlelit walk will take place in Maynooth, Co. Kildare on Saturday 23rd September from 5pm, bringing families and the community together in solidarity and to shine a light on living with and beyond childhood cancer.
Our short walk (approx 3km) will take place in the beautiful grounds of St. Patrick’s College Maynooth. Refreshments and children’s entertainment will be provided.
Fundraise
As a charity that does not receive any Government funding, Childhood Cancer Ireland relies on the generosity of our donors, those who organise fundraising events or take part in ours and of our corporate partners.
This September, would you consider organising a fundraising event for Childhood Cancer Ireland? Here are a few ideas.
- Take a box of our beautiful gold ribbon pins to sell locally or in your workplace
- Organise a coffee morning in your community
- Organise a cake sale
- Take on a personal challenge like a cycle or walk
- Keep an eye on our Lions Clubs of Ireland event page, as there may be one close to you that you’d like to support
- Make a one-off or regular donation
For information on any of the above please email [email protected]
Share your story
There is nothing more powerful than stories – stories which illustrate the importance of knowing the signs and symptoms of childhood cancer but also that show the reality of living with cancer and what that means for the whole family and for survivors. During September, we work with the media to publish stories that increase awareness of childhood cancer. Or maybe you would like to share your story for our Gold Ribbon Stories on our website or even for our podcast, Gold Ribbon Conversations.
If you would like to share your story, let us know.
Ways for Corporates to #GoGold
Childhood Cancer Ireland is lucky to have many corporate supporters who help out in many different ways throughout the year. Your company can #GoGold this September by:
- Sponsor goodie bags for children, adolescents, young adults and parents to help brighten up a very difficult time. Each €500 donation will provide 30 goodie bags for children and young people currently receiving treatment.
- Pack and prepare goodie bags in your office that will then be brought to St. John’s Ward in CHI at Crumlin, Temple Street and to 16 shared care hospitals around the country.
- Place a box of our beautiful gold ribbon pins in your office to raise funds.
- Organise a #GoGold event, like a coffee morning or lunchtime quiz.
- Attend events, including our Light it up Gold Walk or a Lions Club event near you.
- Listen and read stories to better understand what it means to live with and beyond childhood cancer. You can read our Gold Ribbon Stories or listen to our Gold Ribbon Conversations podcast.
Contact us for more ways to get involved! Email [email protected]
