National Pyjama Day invites Kildare families to support LauraLynn charity

NATIONAL Pyjama Day returns this year – a fundraiser inviting Kildare children to wear pyjamas for a good cause.

Ireland’s Children’s Hospice, LauraLynn, has been chosen as the official charity partner for this year’s fundraiser.

Taking place on Friday 27 February, this much-loved event promises a joyful day of fun and fundraising for children, families and communities across Kildare, supporting LauraLynn and Early Childhood Ireland’s Eco-Emotions project.

Last time around, over 3,200 children in Kildare took part in the event, with early years and school age care settings across the county raising more than €11,100 in support of National Pyjama Day. Since 2003, the event has raised over €4.5 million to support young children’s development and wellbeing across Ireland.

Teresa Heeney, CEO of Early Childhood Ireland, said: “Early Childhood Ireland is proud to partner with LauraLynn for this year’s National Pyjama Day. We look forward to a day when children in Kildare and across Ireland come together to enjoy a day of fun, kindness and community, while this year supporting the delivery of personalised care to children with palliative and complex needs and vital supports for their families.” 

Part of the funds raised during National Pyjama Day 2026 will contribute to LauraLynn’s vital work caring for children and providing essential support to families by building unique communities of care.

The funds will specifically assist LauraLynn’s Family Support Services, ensuring families can access high-quality emotional, therapeutic and practical care when and where they need it most.

Kerry McLaverty, CEO of LauraLynn, said: “We are delighted that Early Childhood Ireland has chosen LauraLynn as a beneficiary of National Pyjama Day 2026. This much-loved event brings together over 65,000 children across 1,300 early years settings each year. The spirit of children helping children aligns beautifully with our mission.

“The funds raised will help us continue providing specialised care and vital family supports to children with life-limiting conditions across Ireland.

“We are delighted to join Early Childhood Ireland, alongside the Eco Emotions project, in creating meaningful impact for children and families. We look forward to celebrating on Friday 27 February, and we extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone taking part.” 

This year’s fundraiser will also continue to support Early Childhood Ireland’s Eco-Emotions project, which helps educators and families guide young children to reconnect with nature and their emotions.

Through funding from National Pyjama Day 2024, Eco-Emotions has empowered educators and children throughout the country with nature-based wel-lbeing supports. Thanks to continued support from this year’s fundraiser, additional supports including immersive nature workshops and toolkits promoting emotional well-being, will be developed.

Ms Heeney explained: “Funds raised through National Pyjama Day have played a key role in our delivery of first-of-its-kind eco-learning for educators and families. With continued support, we can ensure more children are empowered on their Eco-Emotions journey.

“We are looking forward to another wonderful National Pyjama Day, where fun, compassion and community come together in the spirit of children, helping children.”