Hi everyone, my name is Joseph O’Kelly. I am from Tralee, Co. Kerry and am currently studying Business Information Systems at University College Cork.

I am taking part in the 100minds initiative, where 1,000 Irish 3rd level students are challenged to raise €1,000,000 on behalf of Childline, while growing their skills and gaining practical experience. I will be actively organising fundraising events to ensure I reach, and break, the €1,000 target from now until the deadline in April. Late last year, the ISPCC announced that due to extreme funding pressures, Childline, the 24 hour confidential listening service, was under threat of closing its night time service. To keep lines open the Childline Emergency Appeal was launched. Thankfully, this generated enough immediate funding to keep Childline’s 24 hour service open. However, for the long-term survival of Childline it needs sustained support.

Any donation – big or small - is extremely appreciated and will make a genuine difference to the children of Ireland; every cent received from you goes directly into Childline’s bank account. Last year, Childline answered 460,000 calls from children - listening to 300 urgent risks of suicide and receiving 1,208 calls on Christmas day. The support we give to Childline this year will help fund the answering of 100,000 calls from children in need - that’s 12 missed calls every hour.

This is an essential service for the children of Ireland and I would ask that you support this initiative in any way you can. Thank you!