Family Carers Ireland Launches National Heart of Gold Campaign

Pictured at the Heart of Gold campaign launch in Family Carers Ireland's sensory room in Tullamore from left to right are Sarah Dooley, Family Carer of the Year 2024, with her sons Eoin (9), John (5), who is autistic and non-verbal, and Cathal (7), who recently completed leukaemia treatment; and Catherine Cox, Head of Communications and Policy, Family Carers Ireland.

Family Carers Ireland Launches Largest-Ever Campaign with Major Support from Lidl

Thursday, 15^th May 2025: Family Carers Ireland today launched its national Heart of Gold campaign, urging the public to buy and wear a heart of gold in support and recognition of the work of Ireland’s 500,000+ family carers.

Across Ireland, family carers face relentless demands - from managing hospital appointments and financial pressures to emotional exhaustion and isolation. Many don’t recognise themselves as carers at all, unaware of available supports. Heart of Gold aims to change this by encouraging family carers to seek help, raising vital funds for essential services, and bringing visibility to those quietly providing care every day.

Heart of Gold Day takes place on Thursday 12^th June during National Carers Week. Every donation supports vital services provided by Family Carers Ireland, including its National Freephone Careline, respite care, counselling, local drop-in centres, peer support groups, training sessions and carers’ forums. These aren’t just supports – they’re lifelines.

Leading this year’s campaign is Sarah Dooley, from Mountmellick, Co. Laois, who was named Family Carer of the Year 2024. Sarah explains: “It’s constant. You’re tired, overwhelmed, and still left fighting for the basics. There’s no break, no days off, and no support unless you fight for it. This campaign matters because no one should have to care alone and we, as a family, are so appreciative of the support we get from Family Carers Ireland.”

This year’s campaign is proudly supported by Lidl Ireland. Customers can purchase Heart of Gold pins (€2) in all 185 Lidl stores nationwide and access information and advice from Family Carers Ireland representatives in selected stores.

Catherine Cox, Head of Communications and Policy at Family Carers Ireland, said: “Many people providing care don’t realise they’re family carers and often struggle silently, unaware that support is available. The Heart of Gold campaign aims to break that silence, giving carers the recognition they deserve, practical help, and reassurance that they’re not alone. We’re delighted to have Lidl’s support this year as our new partner. Their involvement will help us raise vital funds for essential services, including respite care and crisis intervention, making a real difference to the lives of family carers across Ireland.”

Maeve McCleane, Chief People Officer at Lidl Ireland, said: “At Lidl we recognise the often unseen efforts of family carers in our communities. We regularly meet them among our customers and colleagues who quietly support loved ones every day - often without acknowledgment or adequate help. Throughout June, we're selling gold heart pins in all 185 Lidl stores nationwide, raising vital funds to provide meaningful, practical support to carers across Ireland. It's our way of giving something back to those who give so much, a simple gesture that shows we care back.” 

The Heart of Gold campaign runs throughout June, featuring nationwide on-street collections, local fundraising events, and in-store donation opportunities across all 185 Lidl stores. To donate, learn more, or access support, visit www.familycarers.ie.