St. Michael's House receive an 'extra shot' to total €40,000 from Starbucks

On 23rd January 2015, St. Michael's house was presented with a cheque for €20,000 by Starbucks at it's Airside store in Swords, Co. Dublin

The €20,000 donation is the second donation given in support of the "My Life, My Way" campaign which Starbucks has supported since 2012.  This brings the total donation up to €40,000.  Starbucks collected 10 cent per cup on the first day of each month, donating all proceeds to St. Michael's House.  Funds were also collected from coin boxes, in store events such as festive raffles and choir singing.  Some stores are also providing in-house tasting of foods and drinks to customers on the 1st of each month to coincide with the campaign.  Starbucks have also employed St. Michael's House service users as part of the long-term relationship between the two organisations.

Celine Gilmer, Group Marketing Manager Starbucks:  "We are delighted to present St. Michael's House with a second cheque for €20,000 as part of the "My Life, My Way" campaign.  We initiated this project to encourage communities to work together with people with intellectual disabilities to ensure they are fully involved and supported by their local community.  Our pledge to St. Michael's house is €100,000 raised through our 10 cent campaign and instore fundraising activities.  Thanks to the generosity of our customers and partners, we are well on track to meet this."

Patricia Doherty, St. Michael's House CEO added: "We are extremely grateful to Starbucks and to its loyal customers for supporting this campaign.  Projects like this can make a great impact on organisations such as St. Michael's House.  Our service users enjoy this programme so much and the money has been used to support their independence and important integration into the community.  Service users, as part of the "My Life, My Way" project have had the opportunity to do everything from interning in some of Ireland's best known restaurants, to learning to play musical instruments and even moving into independent living."

The "My Life, My Way" campaign continues in Starbudks stores nationwide on the first day of every month.