Coca-Cola Ballina raises €100,000 for Sunflower Children’s Hospice

Employees at Coca-Cola Ballina have raised €100,000 for the Sunflower Children’s Hospice project, supporting the development of a dedicated facility that will bring specialist care closer to children with life-limiting conditions and their families.

Once completed, the Sunflower Children’s Hospice in Co. Mayo will be the only dedicated children’s hospice facility outside Dublin, providing greater access to specialist care and helping to reduce the long and often challenging journeys many families currently face.

The Sunflower Children’s Hospice became Coca-Cola Ballina’s primary fundraising focus for 2026 after warehouse team member Shane Donohoe was inspired by the hospice’s story and the profound difference the facility will make for children and families in communities across the region and beyond.

Inspired by the hospice’s mission, employees across the Ballina site joined forces with suppliers, families, friends and members of the wider community to raise funds and awareness throughout the year. Activities included employee raffles, online fundraising, supplier-sponsored prizes and community-led events, including a basketball camp organised by warehouse employee Derek Bal Cunningham through Ballina Braves Basketball Club. Employees also volunteered their time and skills to help organise the events, while local musicians, entertainers and sports organisations contributed prizes and support throughout the campaign.

Shane Donohoe, warehouse team member at Coca-Cola Ballina, said: “When I first heard about the Sunflower Children’s Hospice and the difference it will make for children and their families, I knew it was a cause we could really get behind. What started as an idea quickly became a huge team effort, and the support from colleagues, suppliers, families, friends and the wider community has been incredible. To see everyone come together and raise €100,000 is something we can all be extremely proud of. Most importantly, we know these funds will contribute to a facility that will make a real difference to families when they need it most.” A year of fundraising activity culminated in a major event on June 27 at Ballina Golf Club, featuring a golf outing, raffles and an evening of entertainment. Thanks to the outstanding generosity of employees, suppliers and the local community, the campaign reached its ambitious €100,000 fundraising goal.

The €100,000 raised will support the development of the hospice and help bring specialist children’s palliative care closer to families in the west of Ireland.