ALDI Ireland has extended its partnership with Barnardos by a further two years.

The supermarket chain's support will raise vital funds for Barnardos' Early Years and Family Support Services, which assists families in need across Ireland.

The service works to provide children with the educational, emotional, and physical supports they need to start school.

It also offers support to the families of children, who may be experiencing crises such as domestic violence, mental ill health, or addiction.

ALDI and Barnardos are also working to create change in communities across Ireland, supporting families most at risk.

In 2023, Barnardos supported over 26,000 children and families, 25% more than the previous year. Since the partnership began in 2020, ALDI has raised €2m for Barnardos.

Niall O'Connor, Group Managing Director, ALDI Ireland said: "Through our partnership with Barnardos, we’ve been able to make a meaningful impact on the lives of parents and families in need over the past four years.

"We are proud to extend our partnership for a further two years, where we will continue to collaborate with Barnardos, with a renewed focus on addressing and supporting the key issues that parents face.

"We want to help parents and care givers across Ireland to build better lives for children.

“Our goal over the next two years is to help raise an additional €1m in support of Barnardos services nationwide.

"ALDI’s support will allow Barnardos to provide much needed assistance across Ireland, helping children and families most at risk.

"Together we are working to support thousands of children and families, with intensive family support, targeted interventions as well as early years support for children who need it most.”

CEO, Barnardos, Suzanne Connolly, added: "We offer support to families in whatever way they need us – through services, access or even just a listening ear.

"ALDI Ireland has been a steadfast partner in this mission since 2020 and we look forward to continuing to work closely with them.

"Their investment over the coming years will continue to create a tangible and lasting impact for the families we support, and we will continue to provide assistance where it is needed most in caring for parents.

"Together we are working to support thousands of children and families who are struggling with deprivation, mental ill health, bereavement, domestic violence or other challenges – because childhood lasts a lifetime.

“We are working to change the story of thousands of children, and ALDI’s continued support is invaluable in transforming the lives of the families that we support."

Mark Brennan, Barnardos Project Worker, added: “We see first-hand the impact of ALDI’s support every day.

"The families that Barnardos work with know that our door is always open, and thanks to ALDI and their ongoing support, we can continue to invest in core services across Ireland to help those most at risk.

"We know that childhood lasts a lifetime and through our partnership with ALDI, Barnardos can create lasting change.”

Top pic: Suzanne Connolly, CEO of Barnardos Ireland; Niall O’Connor, Group Managing Director at ALDI Ireland; Sienna Fitzgerald and Sonny Conlon.