An appeal for SSIA holders to donate some of their savings to children's charities was launched today.
Celebrities such as broadcasters Ray D'Arcy and Mark Cagney; and sportsmen Eamon Coughlan and Bryan Cullen, helped launch the Little Star appeal for children suffering serious illness.
Children's hospitals in Crumlin, Temple Street and Tallaght have joined forces for the campaign along with Barretstown Children's Camp in Co Wicklow.
Around 1.1 million savings schemes begin maturing next month yielding interest in excess of 20 per cent for most savers. It is estimated that €15 billion will re-enter the market as the schemes mature over the next 12 months.
The Little Star Fund hopes to attract some of the windfall savers have earned from the Government scheme launched five years ago to help take some of the heat out of the economy.
Conor Byrne, spokesman for the Little Star Fund said: "This is a once-off request and a unique opportunity for people in Ireland to demonstrate that the Celtic tiger has not robbed them of their ability to give generously when asked."
He said the average SSIA payout is estimated at €13,800. A 1 per cent donation would help over 250,000 seriously ill children in Ireland.
You're A Starpresenter Ray D'Arcy said the appeal was "a great idea". "Companies are tripping over themselves to get SSIA account holders to spend, spend, spend. But even if we give a little of our cash to the Little Star Fund, then we know our money has gone perhaps that little bit further than just on ourselves."
Donations can be made via the charity's website - www.littlestarfund.ie or by visiting any AIB branch or post office, by telephone banking or by posting a cheque to PO Box 10481 Dublin 12.