Launch of The Little Ones Appeal

24 September 2007

The Jack & Jill Children's Foundation are launching a new fundraising project to be known as, "The Little Ones Appeal".  The scheme asks that the 3,000 restaurant owners of Ireland would add a voluntary levy of €1 to the bottom of all table bills in November and December.

From 1st November, right through to 31st December, the Jack and Jill Foundation are asking diners to use the old cockney slang for their bill as in "Please can I have my Jack & Jill!"

Launching this creative initiative today at Hayfield Manor, Cork was acclaimed Food Writer Paolo Tullio "At present the Jack and  Jill Foundation needs to raise over €100,000 per month to fund home care assistance for babies who require intensive medical and nursing care so it is great to see the Restaurateurs of Ireland coming out and proactively supporting this worthy cause which I am delighted to be associated with.  Sadly, one thing is certain, wherever a restaurant is situated there will be a Jack & Jill baby nearby.  Through this initiative 274 babies that are currently under the wing of the Charity and their families, will have a much more peaceful Christmas.  And we can all help by donating just €1 when we dine out celebrating the festive season."

Paolo joins a host of food writers that have pledged their support to the initiative.  Jonathan Irwin the Founder & C.E.O. of Jack & Jill stated "it is very heartening to me that such influential food writers and publications such as Paolo Tullio, Tom Doorley, Myles Mac Sweeney and Hospitality Ireland have lent their wholehearted support to our campaign.  Between this project and our re-cycling of old mobile phones, inkjet cartridges and Dublin Bus tickets we would hope to meet half our annual budget."

Jonathan added "This year alone we have to raise €2.2million to care for the 274 babies presently under our wing - sadly the Government contribution amounts to less than 20% so once again we have to turn to the private sector - this time to all those thousands who will eat in the restaurants of Ireland in November & December."

Host for today's launch is Cork's leading five star hotel, Hayfield Manor, who last week received the much coveted Gold Medal Award for five star hotels from the Irish Hotel and Catering Review.  Speaking on behalf of the team at Hayfield Manor, Anne Marie Scally, Deputy Manager and daughter of the owners Joe and Margaret Scally, said "Hayfield Manor are delighted to be involved in such an initiative as The Little Ones Appeal.  Everyone is aware of the great support the Jack and Jill Foundation give, to Cork families as well as families throughout Ireland and through this simple initiative, we can give customers in our two restaurants, Orchids and Perrotts Bistro the opportunity to give a little for this worthy cause, at this special time of year."

For restaurateurs wishing to participate in the "Little Ones Appeal" during the months of November and December, simply log on to the Jack and Jill website on http://www.jackandjill.ie/ or call the Charity directly on (045) 894538.