Women’s group picks ACT for Meningitis as charity of choice

Network Ireland – the women’s business group with almost 1,200 members across fourteen branches around the country – has announced that Galway-based ACT for Meningitis has been chosen as the group’s charity partner for 2022.

ACT for Meningitis – founded by Siobhan and Noel Carroll in 2011 following the loss of their four-year-old daughter Aoibhe – provides free support services to anyone affected by meningitis in Ireland. It also works to save lives through greater awareness of the disease.

Fundraising activities will officially begin with Network’s celebration of International Women’s Day in Glasson, Co Westmeath, on Tuesday, March 8.

ACT for Meningitis was selected by Network Ireland because of the lifelong emotional and practical support it provides to those living with the impact of the disease, according to Network Ireland National President Noreen McKenzie.

“ACT for Meningitis is based in Galway, but it provides vital services to families right across the country,” she said.

“Meningitis can affect people of all ages, not just children and we hope that by working together we can raise much-needed funds as well as raising the profile of this incredible charity.

“ACT shares many of the values of Network Ireland and our members. It believes that no one should ever have to face the meningitis journey alone, it also runs campaigns and training sessions to raise awareness and reduce the impact of the disease.”

ACT for Meningitis founder Siobhan Carroll expressed her gratitude to Network Ireland.

“Working with such a dynamic organisation and its 1,200 diverse and professional women across Ireland will help us to establish new ways of raising life-saving meningitis awareness on a national level,” she said.

“Their support and mentorship will also assist the growth and sustainability of our national community care program and we look forward to meeting each branch over the coming months.”

International Women’s Day is a highlight of Network Ireland’s calendar. This year sees the long-awaited return to in-person events and will be a celebration of women in business and the power of belief.

Best-selling authors Anna McPartlin and Sinead Moriarty are the keynote speakers at the event in Glasson Lakehouse, outside Athlone.

“This is our first fully in-person event since March of 2020 and after almost two years of Zoom and hybrid meetings our members are excited to attend a gathering like this,” said Noreen McKenzie.

“The theme of this year’s event is the Power of Belief. I hope that our International Women’s Day event will inspire all our members to believe in themselves and what they can achieve,” she added.

The event at Glasson Lakehouse takes place from 12pm to 5.30pm on Tuesday, March 8. Tickets are now on sale – and a fundraising raffle will be held at the event in aid of ACT for Meningitis.