Calor, one of Ireland’s longest established energy suppliers, is working in partnership with Samaritans Ireland to ensure there’s always someone there to listen.
Samaritans Ireland responds to over 350,000 calls for help in a year, answering almost 1,000 calls on any given day. Four out of 10 callers to the service reference loneliness or isolation – a growing issue for both young and older people across the country.
The partnership launched in April 2020 following a staff vote, and Samaritans Irelands is Calor’s first charity partner. The support from the company means Samaritans Ireland can continue to be there for people struggling to cope 24 hours a day, 365 days year.
Niall Mulligan, Executive Director for Samaritans Ireland and Duncan Osborne, CEO of Calor, celebrate the launch of the partnership.
Calor continues its strong commitment to Samaritans Ireland as our charity partner. We understand the pressures people are under, particularly during the last two years. Knowing the real difference Samaritans Ireland volunteers make to so many people’s lives aligns strongly with the values of our staff across the island. Samaritans has been widely adopted across the organisation, not only with financial commitments but also through marketing support and volunteer hours. We have been delighted with the support we have received from Samaritans in developing our peoples' skills and in the commitment of our people in raising funds and awareness for this great organisation. We look forward to continuing our support as we want to help grow awareness of the work Samaritans does and continue to support those efforts.
Duncan Osborne, CEO of Calor
Calor has raised more than €92,000 through generous corporate donations and a range of staff fundraising activities since the partnership launched. These include its amazing colleagues climbing the highest peak in Ireland and completing 24 minutes of exercise every day for 24 days as part of the Your 24 challenge. As well as this, the team took part in Samarathon – a virtual marathon which takes part in July – and held a successful Easter raffle which raised more than €650.
Calor employees take on the highest peak in Ireland as part of the ‘Your 24’ fundraising challenge.
Our first year as Calor’s charity partner has been a fantastic experience for Samaritans Ireland. Calor’s support has enabled our 2,300 amazing volunteers across the island of Ireland to continue to be a lifeline for people who have nowhere else to turn. We’re here 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, providing a crucial listening service for vulnerable people. Our partnership with Calor supports us in our efforts to help those who need it most, ensuring our message of ‘Talk to Us’ is highlighted for local communities across the length and breadth of Ireland.
Niall Mulligan, Executive Director for Samaritans Ireland
Last December alone Samaritans volunteers in Ireland answered almost 35,000 calls as more people reported feeling lonely and isolated. Statistics like this resonated with the Calor team as every day they work closely with customers and communities across Ireland.
Through employee engagement, Samaritans Ireland will also work with Calor to raise awareness about the charity and active listening skills with employees. Calor will also promote the Samaritans Ireland contact details to customers and on their marketing material to help reach those who need support the most.
We are thrilled to be working with Calor. With the support of its colleagues, we can continue to be there for millions of people, whatever they may be facing. Thank you Calor!