23rd June 2025
Autism Assistance Dogs Ireland (AADI) is calling on the public to dance for a cause this summer as it launches Dance for AADI — a nationwide, 6-week feel-good fundraiser to raise vital funds for its life-changing work.
AADI provides specially trained assistance dogs that offer safety, independence, and companionship to autistic children and their families — entirely free of charge and with zero government funding. Demand is growing fast, but only 45 families can be supported through the waiting list in 2025. The cost to train and place one dog is €25,000, and each dog undergoes a rigorous two-year training process to ensure it can meet the unique needs of a child.
The campaign will kick off with a vibrant Dance Extravaganza Launch Event in Fitzgerald Park, Cork, on Sunday, 29th June at 12pm, featuring music, performances, and a chance to meet some of AADI’s superhero dogs in person. KC (Keith Cunningham) — well-known Radio Maker, presenter of RedFM Breakfast with KC and Today FM Saturdays, and a proud Ambassador for Autism Assistance Dogs Ireland — will lead the event, bringing his trademark energy and heart to the stage.
Participants will then take part in a joyful dance journey. Each week, they’ll receive a short dance tutorial set to a popular song, and be encouraged to film, fundraise, and share their moves online using #DanceForAADI. The campaign will wrap in mid-August with a national Zoom dance party and local meetups in Cork, Dublin, Limerick, and Galway.
Behind the choreography is Andrew McCarthy, a dynamic performer and First Class Honours graduate of the BFA in Musical Theatre at American College Dublin (Class of 2020), who brings his passion and energy to every step.
“Dance for AADI is all about joy, movement, and mission,” said David McCarthy, Head of Fundraising and Communications at AADI. “We have an amazing community of volunteers, families, and supporters, and this campaign is a chance to bring everyone together for something that’s fun, inclusive, and truly impactful.”
Get Involved
- Launch Event: Sunday, 29th June at 12pm – Fitzgerald Park, Cork
- Challenge Start Date: 3rd July 2025
- Duration: 6 weeks of fun, movement, and community
- Sign-Up for the Dance for AADI campaign here