It’s back! The Irish Sun, Ireland’s bestselling daily tabloid newspaper, has once again teamed up with children’s charity Barnardos for the Big Toddle Art Competition.
Youngsters across the Republic of Ireland can enter the Big Toddle Art Competition by downloading and colouring in a picture from top illustrator Chris Judge available on thesun.ie.
The grand prize for the art competition will see a family of four (two adults and two children 12 and under) win an Enchanted Escape Sunway Package to Lapland which includes unforgettable activities such as husky sled rides, snowmobiling, reindeer sleigh journeys through the wilderness and of course the highlight - meeting Santa Claus himself, all courtesy of prize sponsor Sunway.
The theme for this year’s Big Toddle is ‘Little Heroes’ and every child can be a Little Hero by taking part in the competition, or participating in one of the Big Toddle fun walks (a fun half-mile sponsored walk for creches) – helping raise funds for, and awareness of, the amazing work Barnardos does.
Host of ‘The Morning Show with Kathryn Thomas on Dublin’s Q102’ and TV Star Kathryn Thomas was joined by her own Little Hero - three-year-old daughter Grace - to help kick off the competition.
Kathryn said: “Myself and Grace are delighted to lend our support to The Barnardos Big Toddle. Knowing that all funds raised are going directly to Barnardos Early Years Services makes this campaign all the more meaningful. Smallies from creches all over Ireland walking half a mile to raise awareness of kids their own age less fortunate than themselves is a powerful message.”
Kathryn, who is also mum to seven-year-old Ellie, added: “I’d encourage everyone where they can to support the Barnardos Big Toddle and to get involved in The Irish Sun’s Big Toddle colouring competition.”
Speaking about The Irish Sun and Barnardos colouring competition, Sunway CEO, Mary Denton said: “We are proud to sponsor this year’s competition, a celebration of creativity, imagination, and self-expression. This is our third year doing so and we are so delighted to support the work that Barnardos do throughout Ireland. They work so hard and diligently to support children who are vulnerable and their families.”
Barnardos Director of Fundraising, Mary Gamble, said: “We’re incredibly grateful to The Irish Sun for supporting Barnardos through their Big Toddle colouring competition, and a huge thank you to Sunway for such a fabulous prize - a magical trip to visit Santa himself!
Creative competitions like this are a powerful way to engage families and spark conversations, helping to raise vital awareness of the work we do to change the story for vulnerable children and families in Ireland. Because childhood lasts a lifetime.”
Irish Sun Editor Fiona Wynne added: “It’s wonderful to team up with Barnardos and Sunway once again on our most popular and colourful campaign of the year.”
To enter, go to thesun.ie to download the image and email the finished picture by sending a PDF or photo to features@the-sun.ie. Alternatively, it can be posted it to:
The Irish Sun,
Macken House,
39/40 Mayor Street Upper,
Dublin 1,
D01 C9W8
To accompany the finished picture, The Irish Sun would like each child to send a photo of themselves with their creation. And don’t forget to include your child’s name, date of birth, address and contact number. The closing date for entries is Saturday, June 7, 2025.
Full details are also on thesun.ie
