The ISPCC has rolled out a new Christmas campaign, fronted by actress Saoirse Ronan, urging people to donate Childline this Christmas
Called “Once I was that child” the powerful campaign was created by Javelin and highlights the nightmare that Christmas can turn into for many children in Ireland. For some of these children, Childline is their only lifeline, according to the ISPCC.
“For too many children and young people, Christmas doesn’t mean presents or a happy day full of warmth and safety. Instead, it means abuse, neglect and loneliness,” says Saoirse Ronan.
“It breaks my heart to know that it can be nothing but a living nightmare for many of our young people across this country. Take a moment to think of all the young people in your community who could be going through this behind closed doors, alone, afraid, feeling unloved. At Childline, there is always someone there to listen, support and be there for them – while their world is crumbling around them,” she adds.
“Childline has long been a cause close to my heart and I know that their vital work makes a real and lasting difference. I am so proud to support this appeal and urge everyone to donate whatever they can to help ensure that Childline can remain a lifeline to children this Christmas.”
“We are so incredibly grateful to Saoirse Ronan. Her ability to tell such a chilling story of a child drowning in trauma is truly heart-breaking,” says Deirdre McNamara, director of marketing & communications, ISPCC.
“This campaign, created so generously by Javelin is a stark reminder that for some children in Ireland, Christmas simply does not happen. It is a day, the same as any other, often filled with neglect, abuse and trauma. Donations to ISPCC this Christmas will ensure that Childline will be available every day and night this holiday season (as we are throughout the year) because we know that for many, many children Childline can be their only lifeline.”
Des Kavanagh, creative director, Javelin adds: “It is a privilege to work with the ISPCC. Every day of the year they make a difference to countless children’s lives. When we wrote this piece, we knew that it was bleak but felt that the truth at the heart of it was worth telling. But the writing is only the beginning. It is really Saoirse who brings the piece to full, terrible, haunting life. She found the textures and the nuances and humanity in the words. Her voice made the awful truth mean more. I would also like to thank Kevin at Avondale Studios for the wonderful production and Sofia Kavanagh who provided such a tender yet forceful appeal for support at the end of the ad.”
For more information on Childline and to donate to this worthy cause visit www.ispcc.ie
CREDITS:
Client: ISPCC
Director of Marketing & Communications: Deirdre McNamara
Media & Communications Officer: Rowena Walsh –
Digital Content Manager: Matt Boyd
Communications Executive: Katie Cahalin
Agency: Javelin
Creative Director: Des Kavanagh
Media Director: Aoife Hofler
Sound Design: Avondale Studios/ Kevin Breathnach
