Charity awards for Limerick engineering company

STAFF at a Raheen engineering firm have been honoured for helping raise more than €1m for charity.

Founded in Limerick in 1964, but with offices across the world, staff of Kirby Group Engineering take part in the annual Kirby Way Cycle.

Across the last four years, more than 850 cyclists have taken part and 30 charities have benefitted to the tune of €1m plus making the event one of the most successful corporate fundraisers in Ireland.

Now, Kirby Group Engineering, which employs 1,900 people globally, has received the Social Value Impact award from the international development charity Self Help Africa.

The group’s operations director Mikey Ryan was also named Social Value Impact champion.

Self Help Africa was one of the first charities to benefit from the Kirby Way Cycle, with the impact of the partnership evident across rural Malawi.

Martha Hourican, Self Help Africa’s chief operating officer, said Kirby’s €420,000 contribution has helped to change the lives of over 50,000 people.

Some 100,000 trees have been planted, with 8,000 of these being to smallholder family farms.

The money has also helped expand a solar mini-grid providing power to 2,000 people in rural communities.

“Every kilometre brings people together to do something amazing for charities like Self Help Africa,” said Mr Ryan. “To be recognised with this award is a privilege, and one I share with every person who has cycled or run with us as part of the Kirby Way Series. It’s the people that make Kirby’s commitment to build a better society a reality, and my colleagues, our supply chain and our clients play a huge role in bringing our efforts to life.”

Kirby Group engineering chief executive Henry McCann, accepting the overall award, said one of the things he valued most about his firm was the willingness of its staff to support others and give back to the communities.

"“Whether through fundraising, volunteering or simply getting involved, there is a genuine desire across our organisation to make a positive difference. Our partnership with Self Help Africa reflects those shared values, and we are honoured to receive this recognition. It is a testament to the generosity and commitment of our employees, clients and supply chain partners, whose support is helping to create lasting opportunities for people and communities around the world,” he said.

As well as its annual cycle, the engineering firm has backed many local, national and international charities and organisations, contributing more than €3m in donations over the last five years.