#NoMakeUpSelfie Social Media Phenomenon raises €1 million for the Irish Cancer Society

Today Mark Mellett, Head of Fundraising, Irish Cancer Society announced that €1 million had been donated to the Society through #NoMakeUpSelfies. The craze which started last Tuesday sparked a flood of donations from Wednesday onwards. The viral campaign has seen massive support from social media world, as well as many high profile personalities like Majella O’Donnell, Daithi O’Se, Ray Darcy, Sile Seoige, the Rubberbandits, Amanda Brunker, Mary Lou McDonald, Marian Keyes, Team Xpose, Pippa O’Connor, Holly Carpenter, Leigh Arnold – and more. Mark Mellett said “We are heartened by the amazing and unprecedented response from the Irish public – both home and abroad - as a result of the #NoMakeUpSelfie movement. Since the #NoMakeUpSelfie phenomenon  started last week donations have been coming in from supporters in Ireland and across the globe – from Europe to South America, Canada and the USA, New Zealand and Australia – and even from Africa, Asia and the Middle East. I am thrilled to say that the Society has received €1,000,000 in donations. We would like to extend our appreciation to all those who have donated with such incredible generosity. It is a testament to the generosity of the public and the Irish diaspora around the globe.” The money raised for breast cancer will go to fund the Society’s breast cancer services and research. These services comprise our free night nursing service, our cancer information Helpline, our  Daffodil Centres in hospitals across the country, our Care to Drive volunteer driving service and our Peer to Peer support programme for women going through a breast cancer journey. One key breast project that will be funded is the Society’s BREAST-PREDICT research project - the first ever country-wide cancer research collaboration. We are investing €7.5m over the next five years in a collaboration involving most of Ireland’s leading breast cancer researchers working together to redefine how breast cancer is treated, with the ultimate goal of precision therapy – that is, more accurate and personalised approaches for breast cancer patients. One in ten Irish women will be diagnosed with breast cancer, but 8 out of 10 will survive, thanks to new and breakthrough treatments, greater awareness and participation in screening. Every cent of the €4 which people are donating via text across most networks goes towards the Irish Cancer Society. (Some providers apply VAT where a minimum of €3.26 will go to the Society). We would like to acknowledge LikeCharity who provide this text service for their assistance which is invaluable in helping us generate funds in this regard. The #NoMakeUpSelfie craze has grown organically as a viral movement and is not directly related to the Irish Cancer Society. We are however, very grateful for any donations from the general public, including those coming from this source, as we rely on these donations to deliver our vital services. For anyone interested in making a donation, you can: CallSave 1850 60 60 60, visit www.cancer.ie or text Pink to 50300 to donate €4 now. (100% of your €4 goes to the Irish Cancer Society across most networks. Some providers apply Vat where a minimum of €3.26 cent will go to the Society. Service provided by LikeCharity (01-4433890).) For those donating outside of Ireland – donate online at www.cancer.ie