Ellie and Ellie the ElephantEllie the Elephant is a beautiful teddy bear who was named by five-year-old Ellie Collins from Abbeyfeale, in County Limerick.
Ellie the Elephant Teddy BearEllie the Elephant will be available to purchase in Tesco stores across the country from Wednesday 8th December for €5.
Ellie is made from 100% recycled materials and all proceeds from the sale of the teddies will be donated to Children's Health Foundation Temple Street.
Earlier this year, Tesco ran a competition for the children attending CHI at Temple Street to enter for the chance to name the Christmas 2021 teddy bear.
This year, Ellie Collins, aged five, from Limerick was the winner. Ellie visits the children’s hospital once a week, and she chose to name the bear Ellie after herself!
Ellie and her mother JackieWhen Ellie was born, she suffered kidney failure and has been on regular dialysis since she was eight months old. In June this year, her mother, Jackie, donated one of her kidneys to Ellie. The operation was a success and Ellie can now join in activities like swimming and Irish dancing, which she couldn't do before.
Rosemary Garth, Communications Director, Tesco Ireland said:
“It is a privilege to introduce Ellie the Elephant to customers this Christmas. Each year, we are truly inspired by the incredible work of the team in CHI at Temple Street, who do fantastic work for children 365 days a year. We’re very proud to see the impact the generous donations from our customers and colleagues make for the hospital. This year, we’re asking customers to continue their amazing support by purchasing an Ellie the Elephant in Tesco stores nationwide this festive season.”
“We’d like to thank our colleagues and customers for their unending support in raising funds for Children’s Health Foundation Temple Street. We also want to send a huge congratulations to Ellie for winning the competition and helping us bring Ellie the Elephant to other little boys and girls across the country. Just like her namesake, she’s bound to bring a smile to young and old this Christmas.”
Denise Fitzgerald, Chief Executive, Children's Health Foundation said:
“Every Christmas, our wonderful friends at Tesco Ireland go above and beyond for sick children in CHI at Temple Street, and we are thrilled and so grateful for the fantastic Ellie the Elephant fundraiser this festive season. Tesco has made a hugely positive impact on the lives of sick children in CHI at Temple Street. Over the past seven years of our wonderful partnership, Tesco colleagues and customers have raised vital funds to purchase a wide range of essential and life-saving equipment in the hospital. CHI at Temple Street is a hospital that never sleeps and this Christmas we need your support more than ever – we encourage everyone to get involved, pick up an Ellie in their local Tesco store and make a real difference for sick children and their families.”
Tesco is dedicated to raising funds for Children’s Health Foundation Temple Street and has raised €6.5 million since the partnership began in 2014, making it one of the largest fundraising achievements in the private sector in Ireland.
Money donated through Tesco has helped the hospital purchase over 330 pieces of vital equipment for patients – including a CT Scanner, EEG system, ultrasound scanners, patient monitors and respiratory equipment.
There are several ways to raise funds for Children’s Health Foundation Temple Street - customers shopping on Tesco.ie can add a €1 (or more) donation to support sick children in CHI at Temple Street or support the cause by purchasing the Tesco Temple Street Bouquet which are available in stores. F&F at Tesco’s face coverings are available in select stores with all profits going to Children’s Health Foundation Temple Street.
