Hi all! Thank you for taking the time to visit my 100 minds profile.

My name is Kara O'Sullivan and I am a third year B&L student in University College Dublin.

I feel very fortunate to be a member of 100 minds this year. I'm extremely excited to be part of something that has been remarkable so far, since it was set up only two years ago in 2013, and has promised even more.

This year's very worthy chosen charity is Childline. Childline states it is almost completely dependent on donations from both the general public and the corporate sector. Without this money, the Society cannot operate the 24-hour unique call service which Childline is, which was almost ceased last year due to a lack of donations, and this could mean that the most vulnerable children will have nowhere to turn. Childline receives the majority of its daily 1,800 calls and messages after 6pm, when most other support services are closed. As a society dedicated to valuing children, they simply cannot accept that children who reach out for support could be met with a ‘closed’ sign. To learn more about Childline and to become as inspired by the work that they do as we now are, you can visit their website at https://www.childline.ie.

Childline rely hugely on donations from all over the country, with only minimal support from the government. They use these donations to keep their current services running, but also strive to keep improving on these, to constantly make it easier and easier for children to avail of its support, through issues like updated technology. I've no doubt whatever benefit we can raise for this year's chosen charity, Childline, will be well received, but the aim is to raise €1,000 each for a phenomenal combined total, which is definitely within our reach!

I will be organising a fundraising event in the near future that will hopefully be enjoyable for all those that attend whilst also benefitting such a great cause! I would truly appreciate any support for Childline through either attending the event, or donating whatever you may be able to spare on this online profile. By donating to this honourable cause you too can make a difference, and help to give every child a voice.

I look forward to getting stuck in, putting what business skills I have studied in college into real-world practise, and gaining invaluable experience whilst supporting a much deserved charity. I hope to meet all expectations while taking full advantage of the opportunity.

Finally, I really appreciate your interest in 100 minds and Childline, and a big thank you in advance from myself, 100 minds and most importantly the children that rely on Childline's amazing services!

Kara x