Ireland’s housing charity Threshold once teamed up with Children’s Books Ireland and the Laureate na nÓg on a lovely idea: asking some of Ireland’s best-loved writers, actors and entertainers to record a bedtime story. The result was Threshold’s Bedtime Stories, a fundraising initiative that let families enjoy magical tales while supporting Threshold’s work helping people stay safely in their homes.
If you love a good story at bedtime — or you’re just curious about the wonderful array of Irish storytelling talent that got involved — here’s a look back at how it worked and who took part.
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Why Threshold Launched the Project
Threshold provides advice and support to people renting in the private rented sector across Ireland, helping them keep a roof over their heads when things go wrong. During 2020, amid the pressures of the COVID-19 pandemic, the charity saw a sharp rise in the number of people seeking its help — that year alone, Threshold supported over 18,736 people living in the private rented sector.
“Having a home has always been vital, but this has never been as acutely clear as it has this year with the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Threshold’s then-CEO John-Mark McCafferty at the time.
“We receive a certain amount of funding annually, but as the number of cases we are dealing with continues to rise year-on-year, we seriously need the support of donations to allow us to keep people safe in their homes. And that’s why we’re asking people to subscribe to Threshold’s Bedtime Stories.”
What Was Threshold’s Bedtime Stories?
Threshold partnered with Children’s Books Ireland and the Laureate na nÓg to ask some of Ireland’s finest writers, actors and entertainers to each contribute a special bedtime story. The stories and poems were made available to subscribers, with proceeds going towards Threshold’s work supporting renters.
The collection featured a real mix — favourites from Frank O’Connor, poems from Patrick Kavanagh, oral tales from the Travelling Community, and well-loved Irish folk tales, told in both English and Irish. There really was something for everyone, children and adults alike.
Who Took Part?
Clockwise from top left: Colm Tóibín, Anne Enright, Niamh Cusack, Eoin Colfer, Sarah Webb
More than 50 Irish writers, actors and celebrities got involved in this fundraising collection of bedtime stories. Among those who contributed were:
- Colm Tóibín
- Stephen Rea
- Eoin Colfer
- Anne Enright
- Niamh Cusack
- Sebastian Barry
- PJ Lynch
- Sarah Webb
- Niamh Sharkey
- The Den favourite Bosco
- and many more!
Storytelling as Connection
“Storytelling is an integral part of Irish culture,” McCafferty added, “and a powerful tool for connecting with others and sharing and learning from our experiences, good and bad.”
That idea sat at the heart of the project — using the warmth of a bedtime story to bring people together, while quietly raising vital funds for a charity supporting families who needed it most.
Where Things Stand Now
Threshold’s Bedtime Stories was a time-limited fundraising campaign, and the specific subscription and story collection described here may no longer be available. If you’d like to support Threshold’s ongoing work, it’s worth checking Threshold’s own website for their current fundraising initiatives and ways to get involved.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Threshold’s Bedtime Stories?
It was a fundraising initiative from the housing charity Threshold, in partnership with Children’s Books Ireland and the Laureate na nÓg, where more than 50 Irish writers, actors and entertainers each recorded a bedtime story for subscribers to enjoy.
Who took part in the project?
Contributors included well-known names such as Colm Tóibín, Anne Enright, Eoin Colfer, Niamh Cusack, Sebastian Barry, Sarah Webb, PJ Lynch, Niamh Sharkey, and even Bosco from The Den, among many others.
Why did Threshold run this campaign?
Threshold saw growing demand for its services supporting people in the private rented sector, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, and used the initiative to raise both funds and awareness for its work.
Is Threshold’s Bedtime Stories still available to subscribe to?
This was a time-limited campaign, so the original subscription may no longer be running. Check Threshold’s website directly for their current fundraising activities.
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Save This for Later
Loved the idea behind this project? Browse more family-friendly reads and heartwarming initiatives on MyKidsTime, and save this article to come back to whenever you fancy a good story.
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