Advancing sustainability while protecting childhood

In 2022 Barnardos impacted the lives of 20,838 children and families as the organisation expanded its reach into homes, schools and communities across the country to try and meet the ever growing demands for its services.

“Barnardos believes that childhood lasts a lifetime, that what happens to us as a child will impact the adults we eventually become,” says director of fundraising and communications Mary Gamble. “Protecting childhood is a key element of our work and preserving childhood into the future is a goal we are striving towards.”

That commitment to children and childhood also extends to the environment. “As the largest children’s charity of its kind in Ireland we recognise our responsibility as an organisation to demonstrate a commitment to a brighter future for children including our impact on the environment both now and into the future,” she explains. “This commitment is reflected in our core work with vulnerable children, their families and applies across all support functions.”

The organisation has been an active participant in advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within the Irish context. “Our work aligns closely with several key SDGs, particularly those focused on no poverty, zero hunger, quality education, good health and wellbeing and reduced inequalities,” says Gamble. “Barnardos plays a vital role in Irish society shaping a more sustainable and inclusive future, where every child has the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential.”

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That work is making a real difference. “We have advocated for a fairer and more inclusive society, with a particular commitment to ending child poverty and reducing inequality,” she points out. “In 2022 after a record 17 years of campaigning, Barnardos were successful in lobbying government to provide free schoolbooks for all primary school children. This huge step in societal change works towards our larger ambition of having a truly free education for all children.”

Barnardos charity shops are directly involved with sustainability by offering reusable products for sale to the general public, she points out. “Textiles are the most successful products for resale directly in the shops. In addition to this activity, Barnardos’ shops prevented 62.84 tonnes of textiles and footwear from going directly into landfill by gathering, sorting, processing and finally repurposing this product to textile recyclers and diverting it from the waste stream. We sought out an alternative avenue to extend the lifespan of unsaleable bedding such as duvets and pillows. Partnering with the Dog’s Trust we donated bedding items unsuitable for our retail chain which were reused by the dogs and puppies and diverted from landfill. A win – win for everyone.”

The organisation takes a partnership approach to achieving its goals. “Our work with valued partners and businesses enables us to provide a variety of support in terms of food supplies, basic living essentials and therapeutic interventions to many families in need during times of crises,” says Gamble. “We have advanced our goals by collaborating with like-minded organisations with similar values and ambitions to improve the lives of vulnerable children. Working together we have created cross functional learning environments that both engage staff and inspire customers.”

Of course, in common with other charities Barnardos often struggles to secure the necessary funding and resources to carry out sustainability programmes effectively. “The scope and ambition of the SDGs require substantial financial investment which can be a significant challenge to charities. Securing sustainability partners is a key area for us, and we are actively seeking out ambitious businesses to join us on our journey towards preserving childhood,” Gamble concludes.

Barnardos.ie