Both the Irish Cancer Society and Make-A-Wish charity have cancelled their upcoming collection days.

Make-A-Wish Ireland said its on-street collection has been cancelled due to COVID-19.

The children's charity grants wishes to children living with life-threatening illnesses.

It said it had "reluctantly" made the decision to cancel their collections scheduled for this Friday.

However, they are proceeding with a 'Virtual Wish Day' on Friday instead - where they are asking the public to donate through the Make-A-Wish website.

They can also donate by texting 'MYWISH' to 50300 to donate €4, of which the charity will receive a minimum of €3.60.

Chief executive Susan O'Dwyer said: "As we receive no government funding, we rely entirely on the generosity of the general public.

"Wish Day is our first large fundraising campaign of the year and the decision taken to cancel on-street collections has not been taken lightly.

"However, we have a duty of care not only to our wish families, who are so vulnerable, but also to our volunteers and the general public. We would like to thank our circa 650 volunteers who had committed to fundraising on the streets and shopping centres for us this coming Friday.

"I am asking the general public to support us over the coming days in order that we can continue to bring a smile to a child's face. A child that, because of Make-A-Wish now believes anything is possible."

The Irish Cancer Society is also cancelling all Daffodil Day street collections and events that were scheduled for March 27th.

CEO Averil Power said: "We have made this decision to protect the health and well-being of our patients, volunteers and supporters.

"We also want to focus all our energies on providing cancer patients and their families with the information, advice and support they need at this time".

Daffodil Day, which is supported by Boots Ireland, is the society's biggest fundraiser.

Funds raised go towards supporting cancer patients and their loved ones by providing free advice and support, as well as by funding life-saving cancer research.