A new fundraising partnership was launched at the end of November 2004 by Supermac’s, Ireland’s most successful indigenous restaurant chain, and IHCPT-The Irish Pilgrimage Trust. The first stage of this new initiative will see the installation of coin collection boxes in each of Supermac’s fifty branches.

Mr Peter Boland, marketing manager of Supermac’s was present at the launch and he indicated why Supermac’s was so keen to be involved with the IHCPT-Irish Pilgrimage Trust. “This is an organisation that, like ourselves, had a small beginning but has grown because of the hard work and commitment of the people involved. The Trust now provides much needed services to Irish young people and their families. As an Irish chain of family restaurants it is a natural step for us to take to assist the Trust. I am confident that the money raised through this partnership will be well spent.”

The Chief Executive of The Irish Pilgrimage Trust, Ciaran Cannon, also welcomed the new initiative. “We are very grateful for the support we are receiving from Supermac's. I feel that this is only the beginning of what will be a very fruitful relationship for both organisations. The Trust is intent on expanding its role to cater for even more young people with special needs over the coming years, and this much needed extra funding will help us to put certain important services in place”.

Welcoming the partnership with Supermac’s, Trust Chairperson Rev Richard Scriven said: “I would like to thank Supermac’s most sincerely for embarking upon this venture with us. It is encouraging to see one of the largest companies in Irish business having the time and commitment to launch a partnership that will definitely benefit the more vulnerable in our society. IHCPT are particulary delighted because it will help in a very real way the work we are doing in Kilcuan and the new exciting project that we are beginning in Wexford".

The coin collection boxes are in place in all Supermac's outlets. Special posters will spread the good news about IHCPT.