Ireland’s Prime Minister, An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar TD presents Charlie Bird and Paul Allen with Global Alliance’s World Public Relations Award for ‘Climb with Charlie’

8th November 2023, Dublin, Ireland.

Ireland’s Prime Minister An Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar TD presented legendary Irish broadcaster Charlie Bird with a Global Alliance World Public Relations and Communications Award for the “Climb with Charlie” campaign in the Taoiseach’s office, Government Buildings, today Wednesday 8th November. Following on from the hugely successful “Climb with Charlie” campaign, the fundraising event went on to win ‘Best Not-For-Profit Award’ at this year’s Global Awards. Public Relations professional and pal of Charlie’s, Paul Allen of Paul Allen and Associates submitted the entry. The PR firm was the lead organiser and communications team behind the initiative.

The initial fundraising goal was €1 million, however, the campaign raised over €3.6 million for two great charities. Charlie Bird came up with the idea of “Climb with Charlie” following his own diagnosis with Motor Neurone Disease to help and show support to anyone suffering a terminal illness and anyone in a dark place with their mental health.

An Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar speaking on the award said “Charlie has touched the lives of so many people in Ireland who followed his trusted news coverage over the years. He has given so much to this nation and continues to do so, raising awareness of Motor Neuron Disease and money for the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association and mental health charity Pieta. Congratulations to Charlie, his wife Claire, their dog Tiger and the whole team behind the hugely successful ‘Climb with Charlie’ campaign on this well-deserved international award.”

Prof. Justin Green, President and CEO of Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management representing over 360,000 public relations practitioners and academics across 126 countries worldwide who hosted the awards, was also in attendance. Green had said “The Best-Not-For-Profit category was particularly tough. To be the only Irish PR entry to have been shortlisted and to go on to win is an amazing world achievement for the Irish PR profession. The ‘Climb with Charlie’ campaign is one that is held very close to the people of Ireland. Charlie’s enigmatic reporting style won the hearts of the Irish people over the years. This campaign has justifiably now won global recognition and cemented Ireland in the history of world Public Relations”.

Following their long friendship from the Ireland’s RTÉ newsroom, Charlie had asked Paul to be the lead organiser of the campaign.

Commenting on the win, Paul Allen said “The team and I are extremely humbled to be a part of this campaign. After 30 years in business, what better way was to volunteer our time and professional services. Charlie’s passion ignited a nation and this award signifies just that”.

Ireland’s Prime Minister, An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar TD presents Charlie Bird and Paul Allen with Global Alliance’s World Public Relations Award for ‘Climb with Charlie’

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