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Dalata Hotel Group has extended its partnerships with three health and wellbeing charities and set a new fundraising goal of over €1m (£850,000) by 2028.
The group, which operates hotels across Ireland, the UK and continental Europe, will continue working with the Marie Keating Foundation, Leukaemia Care, and Air Ambulance Northern Ireland for a further three years.
Since launching the partnership programme in 2022, Dalata and its staff initiative – known as the Difference Makers – have raised more than €900,000 (£768,000) through fundraising events, volunteering and awareness campaigns.
The renewed commitment was based on four factors: fundraising performance to date, high levels of staff and guest engagement, measurable impact, and the opportunity to build on the programme’s early success.
Each hotel and central office will continue to support the charities through a mix of initiatives, with a refreshed phase of the programme launching in 2025.
Funds raised so far have supported the delivery of cancer education services, leukaemia patient care, and emergency medical response.
In Ireland, contributions have enabled the Marie Keating Foundation to purchase two mobile information units staffed by specialist nurses, providing free cancer education and outreach in communities. The units also visit Dalata hotels to deliver sessions on early detection and prevention.
Meanwhile, in the UK, support for Leukaemia Care has helped fund the CAR-T Away from Home service, which offers financial support and accommodation to patients undergoing specialist CAR-T cell therapy. To date, more than 200 patients and carers have used the service, with 445 nights of accommodation provided.
Additionally, in Northern Ireland, Dalata’s fundraising has helped cover the operating costs of Air Ambulance Northern Ireland, which responds to more than 700 calls annually. Dalata has so far funded 11 days of service, equating to emergency care for 22 patients.
Dermot Crowley, chief executive of Dalata, said: “Hospitality is about people – and that’s exactly what social impact is too. Our Difference Makers embody that connection. They’ve not only raised significant funds but built genuine partnerships with charities doing essential work across Ireland and the UK.”
Liz Yeates, Marie Keating Foundation chief executive, added: “Through the remarkable commitment, kindness and generosity shown by the Dalata Hotel Group and its employees nationwide, we have been able to bring lifesaving cancer information to thousands of people all around Ireland.”
Kerry Anderson, head of fundraising at Air Ambulance NI, concluded: “The Dalata Hotel Group has played a significant role in saving lives, and we thank them for their invaluable contributions.”
