RTÉ’s legendary broadcaster Charlie Bird’ fundraising event ‘Climb With Charlie’ has won a major international award.
The Climb With Charlie fundraiser took home an award at the Global Alliance’s World Public Relations and Communication Awards this week.
The entry was submitted by his friend and PR professional Paul Allen, of firm Paul Allen and Associates. The firm was the lead organiser and communications team behind the initiative.
It was the only Irish entry to be shortlisted in the annual awards, which featured major firms and agencies from over 100 countries including the UK, USA, and Europe.
Commenting on the success of the “Climb with Charlie” campaign previously, Charlie Bird said: “The support of so many wonderful people and organisations throughout the campaign was a great example of people extending the hand of friendship.
I would like to thank them from the bottom of my heart. It is an amazing gesture of support for me and my family.”
Charlie Bird set up the “Climb with Charlie” campaign following his own diagnosis with Motor Neurone Disease to help and show support for everyone who has to climb their own physical and mental mountains in their daily lives.
The climb of Croagh Patrick raised more than €3.6 million for the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association and suicide prevention charity Pieta.
Commenting on the win, Paul Allen said: “We are over the moon for Charlie Bird. What started as a very simple idea when out walking in Dun Laoghaire with our two dogs has been catapulted into receiving this global award and honour.”
“We are all extremely humbled by this great occasion. What started as a simple idea raised over €3.6 million for the two great charities.”
He added, “Having worked in the RTÉ newsroom alongside Charlie and having been in business for over 30 years, we decided to give something back, volunteer our time, put our shoulder to the wheel and donate eight months of professional services to manage “Climb with Charlie”.
“From developing the campaign to working with sponsors such as Dunnes Stores and creating awareness for the overall project, Charlie’s passion ignited a nation with “Climb with Charlie.“
