Over €33,000 raised in Mayo for Sunflower Children’s Hospice

An impressive €33,601.70 has been raised in Mayo to support the development of the Sunflower Children’s Hospice, following a major community fundraising effort.

The funds were generated through a collaboration led by Bound for Canada Music Production, in partnership with Mayo County Council and with support from TELUS Digital in Ballina and Kenaidan Contractors Ltd.

A series of events contributed to the total, including the Irish premiere of the Bound for Canada musical production, held over two nights, as well as an online raffle, concert raffles and a fundraising table quiz.

The breakdown of funds raised includes €16,040 from the online raffle, €13,515 from concert performances, €3,110 from concert raffles, and €936.70 from the table quiz

The money will go towards the construction of the eight-bed Sunflower Children’s Hospice in Mayo, with building work expected to begin in late 2026. The facility will provide specialist palliative care for children with life-limiting illnesses, alongside family accommodation and therapeutic services such as hydrotherapy, play therapy and sensory rooms.

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Once completed, the hospice will serve families across the western seaboard, allowing children to receive care closer to home.

A cheque presentation took place at TELUS Digital in Ballina, attended by representatives from the hospice foundation, local authority and supporting organisations.

Martina Jennings, CEO of the Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation, praised the effort behind the fundraiser.

“The scale of goodwill and collaboration was extraordinary,” she said. “From performers to volunteers and partners, this initiative has made a meaningful contribution to hospice care in the region.”

Joanne Grehan, Director of Services at Mayo County Council, also commended the community response.

“I would like to sincerely thank the people of Ballina and Mayo for embracing this inaugural fundraiser with such warmth and generosity,” she said. “What made these events so special was the way the entire community came together.”

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She added that the project also highlighted the strong historical and cultural links between Mayo and Canada.

Organisers say the success of the fundraiser demonstrates strong local support for the hospice project, which aims to provide vital services for children and families across the west of Ireland.