The Big Idea wins Aviva Broker Community Fund’s €20,000 top prize for Diversity and Inclusion
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Creative thinking programme to expand DEIS reach across Ireland |
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A game-changing creative thinking programme, which is teaching problem solving and critical thinking to teenagers across Ireland, has scooped a top prize of €20,000 at the Aviva Broker Community Fund Awards.
The Big Idea , now in its third year, was awarded the donation from Aviva under its Diversity and Inclusion category to support it in expanding its Limerick-based Financial Advisor, Darragh Goggin of Gallagher Insurance in Newcastle West, who nominated the creative thinking programme said: “As a community-based broker, I know the importance of encouraging our young people to challenge themselves and broaden their experiences as they go through their school career. This is at the core of what The Big Idea is achieving with its creative thinking programme. It was great to learn that Aviva also saw the huge potential in The Big Idea and backed this commitment by awarding the organisation €20,000 to support its expansion plans. I look forward to seeing the impact these funds will make to all of our communities.”
Diversity and Inclusion The Aviva Broker Community Fund, which is now in its fifth year, provides a unique opportunity for financial advisers and brokers throughout the country to support their chosen local charities or community organisations by nominating them for an award. The awards are sponsored by Aviva Ireland who provide a total prize fund of €120,000 – with a top prize in each of the three main categories of €20,000. The three categories under which organisations entered their projects this year included Climate Action, Diversity and Inclusion and Stronger Communities.
“Creative thinking is an in-demand skill, and we work with hundreds of industry mentors each year– from a diverse range of industry sectors – from graduates to CEOs, who give our students practical advice and guidance, helping showcase the importance of the skills they are learning. This year, thousands of Big Idea students are working on innovative solutions for their five chosen issues, all aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The issues that the students have highlighted for 2023 are displaced people, hidden poverty, climate change, diversity and inclusion and mental health,” said Niamh. Positive Impact
The Big Idea has already kicked off in schools but there is still time to sign up as a mentor and support students with online feedback. It just takes a couple of hours split across February, March and May. Check out thebigidea.ie for more information or lot onto to The Big Idea’s final online mentor information at 1pm on Wednesday, 8 February. Register here. |
offering to some of the most disadvantaged students across Ireland. This include DEIS schools, as well as widening the programme’s impact targeting vulnerable young people from diverse backgrounds.
Niamh Cooney, Head of Development and Sustainability at The Big Idea said the prize was a huge boost for the 2023 programme. “We are so grateful to receive this incredible donation from Aviva Ireland and we extend a massive thank you to the company and to Darragh Goggin for nominating us. One big idea can change our world and our programme provides a platform for young people to voice their ideas, supporting them to make a real difference in their communities, as proactive citizens.
Brian O’Neill, Head of Communications, Sustainability, Brand and Sponsorship at 
