Munster Line Out For Memory Ribbon Campaign

Munster players Tommy O’Donnell, Robin Copeland and Niall Scannell lined out to support The Alzheimer Society of Ireland’s annual Christmas campaign, Memory Ribbon this week.

The ASI are one of Munster’s nominated charities for the 2016/17 season.

This Christmas, families all over Ireland will decorate trees with special baubles, decorations and lights that remind them of Christmases gone by. The Alzheimer Society of Ireland’s Memory Ribbon campaign at www.memoryribbon.ie calls on the public to share treasured memories of their loved ones affected by dementia while donating to this worthy cause.

On Thursday, November 24th The ASI will also have a special Memory Ribbon Flag Day – when, all over the country, volunteers will be raising awareness and urgently needed funds. The ASI is also encouraging the public to come out a buy a Memory Ribbon pin which will be selling on the streets in cities and towns all over Ireland.

There are 55,000 people in Ireland today living with dementia and they, and the families who support them, rely on the vital services provided by The Alzheimer Society – just like our respite care centres and home care service, or the Alzheimer Support Groups that people turn to for advice and support.

Claire Cooke, HR and Brand Manager with Munster Rugby who are official corporate partners of The ASI this year said: “This is such a lovely campaign which allows people to share treasured memories of their loved ones affected by Alzheimer’s and dementia. Munster Rugby is so proud to get behind this campaign and we are asking everyone to come out and buy a pin and support The Alzheimer Society of Ireland.”

Every year The ASI must raise over €;3 million, just to maintain services – and with 4,000 new diagnoses of dementia each year, the pressure on services is growing day by day. ,

Mairéad Dillon, Interim Head of Fundraising with The Alzheimer Society of Ireland said: ‘Alzheimer’s has a devastating impact on families. Services like home care, day and respite care and support groups help hundreds and thousands of people to cope. The Alzheimer Society is underfunded and the demand for services is soaring. We really need support this Christmas if we are to maintain vital services for those desperately needing them.

For details about how to support the Christmas Memory Ribbon Campaign go to www.memoryribbon.ie or contact Fundraising 01-2073833.