Citroen has donated three electric cars to Barretstown, the Kildare-based charity that offers respite and relaxation to children suffering life-threatening diseases.
Founded by Paul Newman
Founded by famed actor and racing driver Paul Newman in 1994 and modelled on Newman's Hole in the Wall Gang Camp in Connecticut, Barretstown "believes that every child with a serious illness should enjoy their childhood. The services provided to all children and families who come to Barretstown are free of charge, so donations and fundraising efforts are vital for the charity to help more sick children experience the magic of Barretstown each year." The organisation receives just three per cent of its funding from Government sources.
Combined value of €110,000
Happily, it now has three electric Citroens to help with its work. The cars were handed over to Dee Ahearn, Barretstown's CEO, by Neill Plunkett, Area Sales Manager, Citroën Ireland. The cars have a combined value of €110,000 and will be used to transport Barretstown's campers to and from their free therapeutic recreation camps. Barretstown has plans to try and support a record number of children this year - 10,000 in all - and the three Citroens will be a key part of those plans.
Range up to 350km
The e-C4 has seats for five people and a 380-litre boot. It has a claimed one-charge range of 350km from its 50kWh battery, which powers a 136hp electric motor. Meanwhile, the larger e-Berlingo can be had with seven seats and has a massive 850-litre boot. It uses the same 50kWh battery and 136hp motor as the e-C4, but thanks to being bigger and heavier, has a slightly shorter one-charge range of 280km.
Barretstown is based in Ballymore Eustace in County Kildare and can be contacted at barretstown.org if you want to make an enquiry or ask about making a donation.