Microsoft employees riding high as they raise €500,000 for LauraLynn

Microsoft Ireland employees and their families are riding high after successfully completing a month-long charity cycle in aid of LauraLynn, Ireland’s children’s hospice, which saw the team raise over €70,000 – more than double the fundraising target set for this year’s initiative. Moreover, this brings the total amount raised through Microsoft’s annual cycle for LauraLynn since it began in 2014 to an incredible €500,000.

This year’s charity cycle saw Microsoft Ireland employees, as well as their family members, take on the challenge of cycling 30,000kms over the 30 days of September in order to raise €1 for every kilometre cycled.

With a target fundraising goal of €30,000, the team, cycling on solo or family bike rides, completed 33,000kms and raised an incredible €72,240. Added to funds raised through previous annual cycles, the team has hit a significant fundraising milestone of €500,000.

All funds raised from the charity cycle will go directly to LauraLynn as it provides much needed care and supports for children and families after months of strict cocooning due to COVID-19.

Initially, in response to Covid-19, routine respite had to be postponed but throughout the pandemic, LauraLynn continued to provide family supports such as play and music therapy, counselling and wellbeing checks, as well as crisis care respite and end of life care at its hospice in Leopardstown, close to Microsoft’s campus at One Microsoft Place.

Announcing the news today Cathriona Hallahan, Managing Director of Microsoft Ireland, said: “We are very proud of the Microsoft Ireland team who, through sunshine and rain, on the road and at home, managed to complete over 30,000kms and significantly exceed the original fundraising target for this year’s charity cycle by raising a remarkable €72,240.

Over the course of the past seven years, Microsoft’s charity cycle has raised over €500,000 for LauraLynn and helped the team to provide vital respite care services for children who need them most. I’m so proud of the team for achieving such an incredible fundraising milestone!”

Bevan Ritchie, Interim CEO of LauraLynn Children’s Hospice, said: “Despite many challenges, the Microsoft Ireland team has raised the fundraising bar once again this year. The funds raised will help us to provide vital care and supports for children with life-limiting conditions and their families across the country.

The annual charity cycle builds on a long-term partnership that has seen Microsoft employees contribute significantly to supporting LauraLynn’s services financially, and in many other ways.  The unwavering commitment of Microsoft employees both over the last number of years, as well as in more recent times, showcases the strength of our partnership. Thank you to everyone at Microsoft.”