Standing together this Christmas: a call to support our community

With the festive season upon us, demand for CA Support’s services is rising. This Christmas, Dee France invites members of Chartered Accountants Ireland to embrace the spirit of community and help those who need it most

The holidays are often seen as a time of celebration, connection and reflection, but for some in the Chartered Accountants Ireland community, this time of year brings stress, uncertainty and financial hardship.

A safety net for our profession

CA Support is the charitable foundation of Chartered Accountants Ireland, providing emergency financial assistance to members, students and their families at times of crisis.

Life can change in an instant, leaving even the most prepared among us struggling. At CA Support, we see this reality every day of the year, but most intensely in the lead-up to winter and the holidays.

Rising living costs, sudden illness, job loss or personal crises can quickly turn into financial and emotional strain.

Our mission is simple: to act as a safety net when life takes an unexpected turn. We help cover urgent essentials like food, heating and medical bills, as well as back-to-school costs and other necessities.

At Christmas, we go even further, helping families afford warmth, meals and gifts so that the season retains its magic for children and loved ones.

Growing need for services

Demand for our services continues to rise.

In 2025, CA Support assisted over 90 individuals and families who had nowhere else to turn. Energy costs, rent and childcare continue to place unprecedented pressure on households.

This year also marked a milestone as CA Support and the CPA Benevolent Fund completed a successful contractual asset transfer agreement.

This transfer further advances CA Support’s operations and mission for the benefit of all members, expanding our reach and impact across the Institute’s growing membership base.

Real lives, real impact

Behind the figures are real people, families and powerful real-life stories. The challenges our colleagues and peers in the profession face require resilience, courage and hope.

So far this year, your donations have helped:

• Provide nursing hours to a child with serious health challenges;

• Replace vital medical equipment for an elderly member;

• Cover utility and back-to-school expenses for a domestic violence survivor left in debt;

• Fund therapy aids for a child with severe mobility issues; and

• Supplement winter fuel needs. and want to give back to the profession that supported them.

CA Support exists solely because of the kindness and commitment of our members. Every donation, big or small, makes a real difference.

A moment of gratitude

Our voluntary board members see first hand the challenges faced by those who reach out for help and the difference CA Support makes in their lives.

Our Chair, Loretta Lee, says, “As Chair of CA Support, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the directors of the board and the team who work tirelessly to help vulnerable individuals and families. It is an honour to give back to a profession and network that has given me so much.

“I also thank all the members and firms who have donated throughout the year. It is heart-warming and encouraging to know just how generous and kind our profession is. Thanks to you, we can continue to provide hope and practical help when it’s needed most.

“As we enter the New Year, I encourage you to advocate on behalf of CA Support in your professional networks and consider us for charitable activities, fundraising or CSR goals.”

Join us this giving season

This Christmas, we invite you to stand with CA Support in supporting our community. Your generosity ensures that no one in our profession faces hardship alone, and that the festive season remains a time of hope and joy for all.

Please consider donating to CA Support today. Together, we can make this Christmas brighter for those who need it most.

Donate now at https://www. charteredaccountants.ie/CASupport/I-want-to-help/Donatetoday

A community that cares

Like most registered charities, CA Support relies on the generosity and goodwill of the Chartered Accounting community.

Continued support from members and donors is essential to sustain this work and offers a lifeline to members during the most difficult moments in their lives.

When you donate to CA Support, you’re not just giving money—you’re giving peace of mind, dignity and the chance for someone to rebuild their life. Many of our donors give because they understand how quickly circumstances can change