Magical garden transplanted to Barretstown marking the partnership between Glanbia and Barretstown which raised €1.6million
A final cheque for €60,000 was presented to Barretstown at the official unveiling of the Garden
Monday 28th July 2014. A magical garden with hidden burrows, bridges, wishing trees and Barretstown’s iconic red door, which won the People’s Choice award at Bloom this year, has been transplanted to Barretstown and officially unveiled today by 30 Glanbia employees, led by Siobhán Talbot, Group Managing Director Glanbia Plc.
The garden, which was designed by award winning landscape architect Tim Austen, is a lasting legacy which recognises the five year partnership between Glanbia and Barretstown. During that time Glanbia’s 2,000 strong Irish employees, combined with the Avonmore brand and Glanbia plc, raised an amazing €1.6 million for the children’s charity despite the challenging economic climate.
The unveiling of the garden coincided with a recognition day for over 30 Glanbia champions who have spearheaded the fundraising efforts over the past five years. Commenting on the champions Chief Executive of Barretstown Dee Ahearn said, “The support, enthusiasm and energy invested in our charity by the Glanbia employees has been the defining feature of this partnership. Each and every employee involved has given their time generously and they have done so with a huge amount of commitment, dedication and focus. Their collective effort has raised a very substantial amount of money, €1.6million, and for that I’m grateful, so too are the wider Barretstown team, and I know this level of effort is very much appreciated by the families who come here.”
Commenting on the partnership, Siobhán Talbot, Group Managing Director Glanbia Plc said, “Glanbia has been in partnership with Barretstown since 2008 and we are delighted with the association. Not only did it really resonate with employees but we managed to raise €1.6m for such a worthy cause. We’re very proud of what our employees contributed to this partnership and are delighted that this final garden will be a lasting legacy for all of the families who go to camp there in the future.”
“This is a very special year for Barretstown as we celebrate our 20th anniversary,” Ms Ahearn added. “Since we were established by the acting legend Paul Newman in 1994, we have welcomed over 27,000 campers to Barretstown and we simply could not have accommodated so many without the generous support of companies like Glanbia.
“Furthermore what’s really special about this partnership is that the garden is going to be a lasting legacy. It’s absolutely magnificent and looks incredibly well in its new home here at Barretstown and I know it will be a wonderful activity area for our future campers,” she concluded.
