Dell celebrates success of partnership with the Irish Cancer Society

Over 2000 Dell employees dedicated 4,565 hours to help raise over €150k in funds and awareness for the society

Dell Ireland, lead sponsor of Daffodil Day, today marked their partnership with the Irish Cancer Society by confirming their 2012 donation to the organisation of just over €150K . This money was raised by employees in addition to the organisation's financial support of the campaign as lead sponsor. Throughout the campaign over 2,000 of Dell’s employees in Cherrywood and Limerick volunteered a total of 4,565 hours of their time. Dell have committed to a three year partnership for the Daffodil Day campaign. This year was the second year of their partnership which also marked the 25th birthday of Daffodil Day. Dell employees from all sections of the company got involved, with input from social media experts to supply chain managers and marketing executives. Dell rallied volunteers in Dublin and Limerick campuses in order to raise funds, awareness and support the logistics of the overall Daffodil Day campaign across the country. In 2011, Dell’s first year as official partner, the Irish Cancer Society (delete comma) saw the money raised through the campaign increase by €230K to €3.38 million. This is compared to €3.25 million in 2010 and next year they would expect to reach the €3.5m target of this year. Speaking at the announcement of the 2012 figures Dermot O’Connell, General Manager, Dell Ireland said: “We are hugely proud of the entire team’s contribution this year. Their hard work and dedication has resulted in a considerable boost to the overall Daffodil Day campaign. We value our partnership with the Irish Cancer Society and enjoy the mutual relationship which spans over a twelve month period and not just around Daffodil Day. In addition to the company’s contributions of finance our employees donate their time and creativity in order to achieve targets for the Society.  Our team of volunteers have displayed talent and passion throughout this year’s campaign which we look forward to building on in 2013. The monies raised on Daffodil Day are channelled directly into improving the lives of those living with cancer and their families. Such funds are allocated to the provision of free direct patient services including the staffing of the national cancer helpline, the provision of free home care day and night nursing, the funding of hospital-based oncology liaison nurses, and financial aid to cancer patients. Speaking about the partnership, John McCormack, CEO, Irish Cancer Society, said: “We are delighted to have marked the 25th birthday of Daffodil Day in 2012 with such a successful campaign. Year on year we see a significant increase in the demand for our services. Now, more than ever, the services we provide are crucial. The Dell team have been tremendous in helping us meet the fundraising targets, their added enthusiasm and dedication has brought a new lease of life to the campaign. The money we raise on Daffodil Day goes directly to support people with cancer and their families at every stage of the cancer journey, we look ahead to 2013 with determination to offer further support to these people at a crucial time in their lives.”