At Hillwalk Tours, we are committed to making a positive impact beyond our walking tours. Our “Stepping Stones” charity donation program is an initiative designed to support meaningful causes that matter most to our team.
Each month, we will donate at least €1,000 to a different charity, chosen from a list of nominations by our employees. The program ensures a fair process, with every employee nominated charity receiving a donation before any are selected again. At the end of each year in December, our directors, James Byrne and Anthony Barrett, will personally choose a charity or multiple charities to receive additional donations.
This initiative is made possible thanks to the support of our amazing customers who choose to book hiking holidays with us. We’re truly grateful and excited to have the chance to give back to these deserving causes, helping create a positive impact in the communities we serve.
January 2025 Charity Donation: Aware
Charity: Aware
Donated: €1,000.00
In January, our charity program is supporting Aware, an incredible organisation offering free support, education, and resources to people affected by depression, bipolar disorder, and other mood conditions. By donating €1,000, we’re helping them continue their important work, empowering individuals and their families on their mental health journey.
Website: Aware.ie
Should you wish to further donate, please use the ‘Donate’ button below.
February 2025 Charity Donation: EPIC-Empowering People in Care
Charity: EPIC: Empowering People in Care
Donated: €1,000.00
In February, our charity program is supporting EPIC: Empowering People in Care. EPIC advocates for the rights and well-being of children and young people in the Irish care system. They provide support, amplify voices and influence policy to create positive change. Through direct advocacy, outreach, and research, EPIC ensures that young people in care are heard, valued, and empowered.
Website: EPIC
Should you wish to further donate, please use the ‘Donate’ button below.
March 2025 Charity Donation: Mindspace Mayo
Charity: Mindspace Mayo
Donated: €1,000.00
In March, our charity program is supporting Mindspace Mayo who provide a centre in Castlebar, Co. Mayo for young people to call in, get information or have a chat one–to-one with a support worker. If a young person wants support, their staff are there to listen, without making judgements, and to provide supportive guidance. Along with their hub in Castlebar, they also have two outreach centres located in Erris and Ballina, Co. Mayo.
Website: Mindspace Mayo
Should you wish to further donate, please use the ‘Donate’ button below.
April 2025 Charity Donation: CUH Charity Neonatal Unit
Charity: CUH Charity Neonatal Unit
Donated: €1,000.00
In April, our charity program is supporting CUH Charity Neonatal Unit. This charity is dedicated to supporting the Neonatal Unit at Cork University Maternity Hospital (CUMH) by funding essential equipment, services, and facilities that enhance care for newborns and their families. One of their significant initiatives is the Neonatal Family Sanctum Appeal, aiming to create a tranquil space within the CUMH garden. This sanctum will provide a serene environment where parents can spend precious moments with their babies in palliative care, away from the clinical setting, fostering solace and privacy during these challenging times.
Website: CUH Charity
Should you wish to further donate, please use the ‘Donate’ button below.
May 2025 Charity Donation: Enable Ireland
Charity: Enable Ireland
Donated: €1,000.00
In May, our charity program is supporting Enable Ireland Disability Services. This charity provides vital support to children and adults with physical, sensory, and intellectual disabilities across Ireland. Their work includes early intervention, therapy, education, rehabilitation, respite, and family support services tailored to each individual’s needs. With a strong emphasis on inclusion, empowerment, and community participation, Enable Ireland helps people with disabilities to achieve greater independence and quality of life.
Website: Enable Ireland
Should you wish to further donate, please use the ‘Donate’ button below.
June 2025 Charity Donation: Galway Society for the Protection of Cruelty to Animals
Charity: Galway Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (GSPCA)
Donated: €1,000.00
In June, our charity program is supporting The Galway Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (GSPCA) which works to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome animals in need. With a cattery in Briarhill and a dog sanctuary in Killimor, the GSPCA provides care for animals suffering from neglect, abandonment, or abuse. They promote responsible pet ownership and rely heavily on public donations, volunteers, and foster families to continue their mission. Through adoption programs, fundraising, and community outreach, the GSPCA strives to give every animal a second chance at a loving, permanent home.
Website: Galway Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (GSPCA)
Should you wish to further donate, please use the ‘Donate’ button below.
July 2025 Charity Donation: H.A.R.T (Homeless Animal Rescue Team)
Charity: H.A.R.T (Homeless Animal Rescue Team)
Donated: €1,000.00
In July, our charity program is supporting H.A.R.T. (Homeless Animal Rescue Team), a volunteer-run animal rescue group based in Cork, Ireland, dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating and re-homing abandoned or stray dogs, cats and other pets. They do not operate a shelter – instead, rescued animals are placed in foster homes or temporary boarding fostered by volunteers. All adult animals are vaccinated, microchipped and neutered before adoption; puppies or kittens are re-homed under agreement that they will be neutered when old enough. H.A.R.T depends heavily on public generosity and fundraising (plus a small government grant) to cover veterinary care and associated costs, since they do not receive sufficient state funding to meet demand.
Website: H.A.R.T (Homeless Animal Rescue Team)
Should you wish to further donate, please use the ‘Donate’ button below.
August 2025 Charity Donation: Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association
Charity: Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association
Donated: €1,000.00
In August, our charity program is supporting “The Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association (IMNDA)” who provide essential care and support to people living with Motor Neurone Disease (MND), their families, and caregivers, offering home visits from specialist nurses, financial assistance for home care, and access to specialised equipment . The organisation also funds and promotes research into the causes, treatment, and optimal care for MND within Ireland. Through advocacy efforts, IMNDA strives to shape policies and establish standards of excellence in MND services nationwide.
Website: Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association
Should you wish to further donate, please use the ‘Donate’ button below.
September 2025 Charity Donation: Shine - Mental Health Support, Advocacy, Education
Charity: Shine – Mental Health Support, Advocacy, Education
Donated: €1,000.00
In September, our charity program is supporting Shine, a national organisation dedicated to supporting people affected by mental ill health and their families. Shine provides a range of services including community-based recovery programmes, family support groups, and counselling, helping individuals to manage their mental health and live full, independent lives. The organisation also works to reduce stigma around mental illness through education and awareness campaigns, while advocating for improved mental health services and policies across Ireland. Through its holistic approach, Shine strives to ensure that everyone affected by mental ill health has access to the care, respect, and opportunities they deserve.
Website: Shine – Mental Health Support, Advocacy, Education
Should you wish to further donate, please use the ‘Donate’ button below.
October 2025 Charity Donation: Pobail Le Chéile - a community development organisation in Falcarragh, County Donegal
Charity: Pobail Le Chéile
Donated: €1,000.00
In October, our charity program is supporting Pobail Le Chéile, a community development organisation in Falcarragh, Donegal which runs a variety of local initiatives. It operates the “Siopa Pobail” charity shop whose proceeds fund community programmes. It also offers drop-in youth services, volunteering opportunities and training for local people, youth clubs and inter-generational projects supporting children, young people and older residents. Through this work they aim to foster social inclusion, promote the Irish language (in the Gaeltacht) and build stronger community networks.
Website: Pobail Le Chéile
Should you wish to further donate, please contact the charity at their web link above.
November 2025 Charity Donation: The Irish Wheelchair Association (IWA)
Charity: The Irish Wheelchair Association
Donated: €1,000.00
In November, our charity program is supporting The Irish Wheelchair Association (IWA), a national charity in Ireland dedicated to supporting people with physical disabilities to live independent and active lives. It provides a wide range of services, including accessible transport, assisted living, respite care, and social and educational programmes. The IWA also operates community centres across the country, offering opportunities for social connection and personal development. In addition to direct support, the organisation advocates for accessibility, equality, and inclusion in Irish society. Through its work, the IWA empowers people with disabilities to participate fully in their communities and promotes awareness of disability rights and inclusion.
Website: The Irish Wheelchair Association (IWA)
Should you wish to further donate, please use the ‘Donate’ button below.
December 2025 Charity Donation: Barnardos Ireland
Charity: Barnardos Ireland
Donated: €4,000.00
In December, our charity program is supporting Barnardos Ireland who are dedicated to supporting vulnerable children, young people, and families across Ireland. They provide a wide range of services, including therapeutic support, early childhood intervention, parenting programs, and family support services. The organization works with children affected by abuse, neglect, or family difficulties, aiming to improve their emotional well-being and overall development. Barnardos also advocates for children’s rights, ensuring their voices are heard in policy and decision-making. By combining direct services, community engagement, and advocacy, Barnardos Ireland strives to create safer, healthier, and more supportive environments where children can thrive.
Website: Barnardos Ireland
Should you wish to further donate, please use the ‘Donate’ button below.
