FUNDRAISER: Students from five local schools are coming together to raise funds for palliative care by organising a Christmas Jumper Day on December 18. Pictured were: Isabella Dennehy, Jayden Hurley, Lizzie Linehan, Tomás Clifford, Keelyn O’Leary and Gavin White. Photo: Michelle Crean

By Michelle Crean

Last year's fundraiser was an overwhelming success - raising a whopping €12,000 - and now five schools are joining together to do it all again for another very good cause.

The Sem, Killarney Community College, Holy Cross Mercy, Presentation Monastery, and St Francis Special School - who last year held the fundraising Christmas Jumper Day in memory of the much loved past St Brendan’s College student Niall McGillicuddy, are once again combining their efforts - this time in aid of the Kerry Hospice Foundation.

On Friday, December 18 the students and staff across all five schools will don festive jumpers and donate to this very important facility; one which, like many others across the country, has seen its fundraising activities hit hard by the COVID crisis.

"We were honestly bowled over by the response to last year’s fundraiser – both across the participating schools and among the wider community," Elaine Moynihan, LCVP teacher said.

"The flurry of donations that arrived over the week of that fundraiser was completely unexpected and hugely significant in allowing us to raise the amount that we did. While 2020 has been a devastating year for many, it is also one which showed us the power of community spirit – the potential to achieve great things when we work together. Given the success of last year’s coordinated effort, it made sense that we approach the other schools and invite them to get involved. We were delighted, but not surprised, when all four, without hesitation, agreed."

She added that they are again hoping to have the same community support once again.

"We would love for the public to get behind this; particularly anyone who has benefited from the Palliative services of University Hospital Kerry and is looking for a medium through which to give back. Obviously with COVID, and the current restrictions, it is no longer as easy to drop donations in but if anyone would like to support this worthy cause, donations can be posted, in care of the Kerry Hospice Foundation fundraiser, to the Sem or any of the other participating schools."