By Michelle Crean

Over 18 boxes packed full of food and €500 was this week donated to charity to help local families in need this Christmas.The Transition Year class of Killarney Community College collected food items from students and staff in the school. The entrepreneurial and fundraising spirit from the TY class exploded as they they themselves donated a hamper they produced as a reward for every item of food that each student donated to Killarney Lions Club.

They also organised a non-uniform day that took place on Friday, and teachers enjoyed a special homemade surprise from the TY’s Home Economics class. The amazing committee of Lauren Fleming, Teagan O’Sullivan and Cian O’Shea led a fundraising campaign within the school. They raised awareness in the whole school community about the magnificent work of the local charity.

It's all part of a three-school initiative which kicked off in mid-November when a Zoom call between Killarney Community College, St Brigid's and St Brendan's took place with the President of the club John Fuller and committee member Denis Doolan outlining how the three secondary schools would help the Lions Club fundraise and collect food to create hampers for people in need in the Killarney area.

DONATION

On Tuesday, President of Killarney Lions Club John Fuller with Denis Doolan packed up the boot of their car with 18 boxes of food that will be made into hampers. They were also presented with a donation of €506 from Principal Stella Loughnane to go towards the club's Christmas fundraiser.

It was a privilege for Killarney Community College students and staff to take part in this year's Killarney Lions Club Christmas Food Appeal, Killarney Community College TY co-ordinator Kerri McCarthy, explained.

“It was fantastic to see the enthusiasm and fundraising work of our students. They endeavoured to making the food appeal and donation a success," she said. "We are so proud of our wonderful students who excelled in this local fundraising activity in raising awareness for the Killarney Lions Club. Now more than ever it is so important to support local."

Anyone who wishes to donate to the Christmas Food Appeal can do so at the following link:
GoFundMe: On-LION Christmas Food Appeal.