Bank of Ireland’s Big Blue Box Challenge Comes to Ireland’s Ancient East
Bank of Ireland has today announced that the Big Blue Box Volunteering Challenge will tour Ireland’s Ancient East from September 2 to 16. The unique volunteering challenge sees Bank of Ireland staff and members of the local community travelling by bike across the route, which will involve communities from 29 towns. Local fund-raising events will take place in each town along the route. All funds raised during this challenge will go directly to support the Irish Heart Foundation’s new Mobile Health Unit with Bank of Ireland promising to match funds raised in the local communities.
Joe Madigan, Director, Bank of Ireland Leinster said, “We’re delighted to bring the Big Blue Box Volunteering Challenge to Ireland’s Ancient East this September. The Big Blue Box cycle will set off from Dundalk and Wexford on Friday 2 September and meet at the finish line with a grand finale at Nowlan Park in Kilkenny on Friday 16 September.”
“Earlier this year, the Big Blue Box travelled along the Wild Atlantic Way, with a series of great community events along the route, so we are excited to bring the challenge to Ireland’s Ancient East this September.”
The cycle routes that will be undertaken during the challenge were put together with the help of Failte Ireland and will visit many of the beautiful sights of Ireland’s Ancient East along the way.
Speaking ahead of the event, Head of Ireland’s Ancient East, Jenny De Saulles explained, “We are delighted to see Bank of Ireland incorporate Ireland’s Ancient East into The Big Blue Box event. Ireland’s Ancient East is an initiative firmly rooted in our past and our stories and by designing the route around the region participants are sure to deepen their appreciation of the heritage and history that surrounds Ireland’s Ancient East as they enjoy the many wonderful sights and experiences in the areas.”
Barry Dempsey, Chief Executive with the Irish Heart Foundation said, “As the national charity empowering people in every corner of Ireland to live longer, healthier lives, I cannot think of a more appropriate initiative from which to receive much needed funds. Not only is the Big Blue Box Challenge getting to the heart of communities, it is promoting physical activity, collaboration and raising vital funds so our nurses can deliver free blood pressure checks nationwide to those at risk through a new full-time mobile service and prevent more strokes and heart attacks. As a non-profit organisation reliant on public and corporate donations for most of our income, this vital service would not be possible without the support of Bank of Ireland staff.”
Inside the Big Blue Box will be a symbolic item that each local community wants to share with their neighbouring town and it can be a jersey, a seed or a tree, a piece of art or something representing local community interests or even local businesses. This aspect of the initiative gives each town the opportunity to raise the profile of their community with neighbouring towns in a fun and unique way.
For information on how to get involved with this unique fundraising event please visit bankofireland.com/BigBlueBox
#BigBlueBox
ENDS