Pyjama picnics and story time when Ireland’s comfiest fundraiser comes to County Kildare

Get ready to curl up and get cosy for a good cause!

With registrations officially open today (Monday, October 7, 2024) the excitement is building for Early Childhood Ireland (ECI)'s National Pyjama Day 2024.

The event is set for Friday, November 22, and 162 ECI member settings across County Kildare are invited to host a pyjama-clad, fun-filled day of teddy bear picnics, story time, pillow fights and much more.

This year marks 21 years since the inaugural National Pyjama Day, and this much-loved community event has gone from strength to strength ever since, raising more than €4.3 million for a host of charitable causes that support babies and children all over Ireland.

Commenting on the 21st annual National Pyjama Day, ECI's CEO, Teresa Heeney, said: "We are delighted to open registrations today and to work with our dedicated members to bring National Pyjama Day to Kildare once again."

Free blood pressure and pulse checks with Newbridge Kildare Lions Club

The free checks will take place at Dunnes Stores, Newbridge next Friday

"At its heart, National Pyjama Day is about children helping children, and we hope to see as many of them as possible participating in this fantastic day to support Sensational Kids and our Eco-Emotions project," Ms Heeney added.

Speaking about National Pyjama Day, Denise Charlton the Chief Executive of partner organisation, Community Foundation Ireland, said: "Exciting, passionate, and energetic, Sensational Kids creates lasting memories for children, parents, and educators.

"We celebrate the long-standing partnership between Early Childhood Ireland and the Community Foundation through National Pyjama Day."

Ms Charlton added: "We are thrilled to support Sensational Kid’s project to better assist neurodiverse children and those with sensory processing differences, and we wish them every success in their important work ahead."

Funds raised on National Pyjama Day this year will go towards supporting Sensational Kids — an award-winning social enterprise that works with children who have sensory processing challenges — in addition to ECI's Eco-Emotions project, which empowers educators and parents with the tools they need to support children.