RTÉ’s legendary broadcaster Charlie Bird’s major fundraiser Climb with Charlie has won an award at the Global Alliance’s World Public Relations and Communication Awards which took place in Chennai, India, (21st September). An entry was submitted by his pal and Public Relations professional Paul Allen of firm Paul Allen and Associates. The firm was the lead organiser and communications team behind the initiative.
The Dublin Public Relations firm was the only Irish firm to be shortlisted in the annual global Public Relations and Communication awards which featured major firms and agencies from over 100 countries including the UK, USA, and Europe.
Commenting on the win, Paul Allen said: “We are over the moon for Charlie Bird. What started as a very simple idea when out walking in Dun Laoghaire with our two dogs has been catapulted into receiving this global award and honour. We are all extremely humbled by this great occasion. What started as a simple idea raised over €3.6 million for the two great charities.”
He went on to say: “Having worked in the RTÉ newsroom alongside Charlie and having been in business for over 30 years, we decided to give something back, volunteer our time, put our shoulder to the wheel and donate eight months of professional services to manage “Climb with Charlie”. From developing the campaign to working with sponsors such as Dunnes Stores and creating awareness for the overall project, Charlie’s passion ignited a nation with “Climb with Charlie.“
Commenting on the success of the “Climb with Charlie” campaign previously, Charlie Bird said: “The support of so many wonderful people and organisations throughout the campaign was a great example of people extending the hand of friendship, and I would like to thank them from the bottom of my heart. It is an amazing gesture of support for me and my family.”
Charlie Bird set up the “Climb with Charlie” campaign following his own diagnosis with Motor Neurone Disease to help and show support for everyone who has to climb their own physical and mental mountains in their daily lives.
The Global Alliance World Public Relations & Communication Awards is a worldwide competition celebrating the most outstanding national and international public relations and communication management programmes and case studies. “Climb with Charlie” won the Best Not-For-Profit Campaign category. Others in the category were ‘GIRA – Bicicletas de Lisboa’ in Portugal and ‘Ukraine. To North For Truth’ from Spain.
