Photo Caption: (From left to right) Elaina Ryan, CEO of Children's Books Ireland is pictured alongside Minister Paschal Donohoe and Andrew Algeo, CEO of the National Lottery, as she's presented with a €10,000 cheque which they won recently at the National Lottery Good Causes Awards.

“Every young person has the right to be a reader” 

 

A national charity organisation is gifting over a thousand books to young people this Christmas, including those who are affected by homelessness and in Direct Provision. 

Children’s Books Ireland were recently honoured for their work by the National Lottery Good Causes Awards, winning a generous €10,000 to support their mission.  

The cheque was presented during a photocall attended by Minister Paschal Donohoe, Andrew Algeo, CEO of the National Lottery, and Elaina Ryan, CEO of Children's Books Ireland. 

The event showcased the dedication of this organisation to promote literacy and bring the joy of reading to the youth of Ireland. Children's Books Ireland's core belief is that every young person should have the chance and the right to be a reader.  

With this ethos at the heart of their work, they plan to utilise the prize money provided by the National Lottery to collaborate with their charity partners to provide books to young people in need at Christmas, ensuring that no one is left without the opportunity to experience the magic of storytelling. 

Elaina Ryan, CEO of Children's Books Ireland, expressed her gratitude, saying, "We are honoured and thrilled to have been selected as this year’s  Arts and Culture category winners, and in such good company with our fellow shortlisted charities. It is wonderful validation for our hard-working team. This €10,000 prize has allowed us to gift over a thousand books to children experiencing homelessness and living in Direct Provision this Christmas – children might never otherwise have a book of their own. Thank you to the National Lottery for making this possible and brightening the lives of children this Christmas."

Minister Paschal Donohoe also commented on the occasion, stating, "I am delighted to be part of this event, celebrating the extraordinary work of Children's Books Ireland. The National Lottery Good Causes Awards recognise those who make a significant impact on our society, and Children's Books Ireland's dedication to promoting literacy for all children is truly commendable. Their commitment to reaching children in need is a shining example of how organisations can make a difference in our communities."  

Andrew Algeo, CEO of the National Lottery, commended the outstanding efforts of Children's Books Ireland, saying, "Supporting organisations like Children's Books Ireland is at the core of what the National Lottery stands for. We are honoured to have them as a recipient of National Lottery funding. We believe that access to literature should be a fundamental right for every young person, and we are proud to be a part of this initiative."  

The National Lottery is delighted to support Children's Books Ireland and to see the positive impact this award will have on the lives of young people across Ireland.  

Nearly 30 cent in every €1 spent on all National Lottery games goes back to Good Causes in the areas of sport, youth, health, welfare, education, arts, heritage, and the Irish Language. In total more than €6 Billion has been raised for Good Causes since the National Lottery was established 36 years ago. In 2022 alone, €259.5 Million was raised for local Good Causes in communities across Ireland.             

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