Rathmore native Laura Cronin is gearing up for the volunteering trip of a lifetime this June as she prepares to travel to Uganda to help build a community playground, an initiative aimed at creating lasting change through the power of play.

A final-year Pharmacy student at Ulster University in County Derry, Laura is currently juggling her studies with an impressive slate of local fundraising efforts, all in aid of Play Action International, the charity behind the playground project. The organisation focuses on building safe, educational play spaces across East Africa, using them not only for fun, but as vital tools for early learning, social development, and community engagement.

“Before starting my career, I felt a strong desire to dedicate time to something meaningful,” Laura said. “When I discovered Play Action International, I was immediately drawn to the idea that something as simple as play could have such a huge impact on a child’s development and future.”

To support her mission, Laura has launched a local business raffle with the help of generous sponsors from across Rathmore and Killarney, and she’s also inviting the community to a coffee morning and bake sale on Saturday, April 26 at The White Raven Curio Café in Rathmore.

Raffle lines are available now at Park Road Pharmacy, Killarney and Hickey’s Centra, Rathmore for just €2 per entry or €10 for six. Entries can also be made by donation via a QR code linked to Laura’s fundraising page, with contact details needed in case of a win.

Prizes include : A €100 voucher sponsored by O'Keeffe's Oil, Service Station & Hardware Shop, Rathmore, food and wine hampers from Hickey’s Centra, Rathmore and Daly’s SuperValu, Killarney, Wellness and beauty hamper from CarePlus Pharmacy, Park Road, Killarney, €50 voucher from Kennelly’s Pharmacy & Opticians, Killarney, Mystery spot prize from Trant’s Pharmacy, Park Road, Killarney, Food and drinks voucher from Frankie’s Coffee Shop, Barraduff.

All proceeds from the raffle and bake sale will go directly to the charity, supporting not only the construction of the playground but also the wider mission of using play as a developmental and educational tool.

“I’m so grateful to the local businesses and everyone who’s pitched in so far,” Laura said. “It really shows the strength of our community, and I’d be thrilled to see more people get involved.”

To learn more or support Laura’s journey, follow her fundraising updates here.