Cannonball 2020 cancelled but fundraising goes up a gear for Barnardos
The organisers of the Irish Cannonball super car event have cancelled this year’s outing due to Covid-19 restrictions, but say fundraising is going up a gear for the 2020 charity, Barnardos.
The Irish Cannonball has welcomed almost 200,000 spectators around Ireland since it began 12 years ago. It showcases a convoy of top mark cars including McLaren, Lamborghini, Ferrari, Aston Martin, Porsche, Maserati, Rolls Royce and Bentley. It also features free family festivals all over the country.
The event was due to take place this weekend, September 11-13.
Christian Doyle (6) from Edenderry helping to launch a national appeal for Barnardos.
Cannonball organisers tell us the event has already raised €1,125,000 for various charities. Barnardos was chosen as this year’s official Cannonball charity.
Organisers say while cancelling the 2020 event was the right thing to do, “it leaves a huge void in fundraising for Barnardos, who have already missed out on so many fundraising opportunities this year”.
Mary Gamble, Barnardos director of fundraising said: “Right now, Barnardos needs your help more than ever before. Many of our fundraising activities in 2020 have been cancelled or postponed because of Covid-19, but the children and families we work with still need our help.
“Covid-19 has added additional challenges to many of the families we work with who are now struggling to cope. Please give what you can today to ensure we can continue our vital work with vulnerable children, and provide them with a brighter future.”
A GoFundMe page called ‘Barnardos Urgent Appeal’ has since been set up by the charity, with the help of Cannonball.
Cannonball founder Alan Bannon pictured with members of Style Warriors at Cannonball last year.
Alan Bannon, founder of Cannonball said: “Cannonball is now the largest organised road trip in Europe and it has grown into something really special. It was absolutely the right decisions but a big disappointment to cancel Cannonball this year but we would love to be able to make a real difference to Barnardos.
“It would be a small victory against this awful virus to hit fundraising targets even though the brakes have been put on the event for 2020.”