Sunflower daze
Tayto, Ireland's favourite crisp, has teamed up with The Irish Hospice Foundation for Sunflower Days 2005. RTE presenter Caroline Morahan hosted a sunflower-themed lunch yesterday in trendy eaterie Eden to announce details of the partnership.
I must admit I failed to see the link between Tayto and Hospice, until it was pointed out to me that Tayto's association with sunflowers is well-established given that the company has always cooked it's products in pure sunflower oil since it's foundation over 50 years ago. Very clever!
Last year Hospice raised over €1,000,000 through Hospice Sunflower Days. With Tayto's support through advertising, television and radio promotions to promote Sunflowers Days, they hope to increase this figure to €1,500,000 this year.
Speaking at the lunch yesterday, John Keogh, Managing Director of Tayto, announced Tayto's plan to support the Hospice Sunflower Days on a long term basis: "We are delighted to support such a reputable and worthy organisation, from which thousands of Irish people directly benefit".
Joining John Keogh of Tayto and TV star Caroline Morahan on the day were Chairman of Hospice Denis Doherty, writer Quentin Fottrell, Emily Cox and Breffni Burke of Slattery Communications and former Rose of Tralee, Tamara Gervasoni (sporting a jaunty green hat) as well as numerous supporters from the media world.
Taking place on the 10th and 11th of June, Hospice Sunflower Days will see volunteers from all over the country selling the distinctive sunflower pins for the modest sum of €2. Trust me, they will be the fashion accessory du jours.
