Nenagh school students raise funds

Local Ukrainian support group benefits

Over 15 weeks ago, on February 24, Russia invaded Ukraine, thereby unleashing a war that has caused 13 million people to flee their homes.

Nenagh, like several towns in Ireland, has welcomed with open arms those who are escaping this terrible conflict.

Very aware of these events, pupils in Saint Mary’s Secondary School who are taking part in the ‘John Paul II Awards’ decided to undertake some fundraising in the school to support these people who are arriving in Nenagh.

The John Paul II Society, comprising of 38 Transition Year students, first organised a Table Quiz with Second Year pupils, which raised €150. They then went on to organise a very successful soccer tournament, whereby a match was played between staff and TYs. The result of this game was a further €500 raised - making a grand total of €650 raised by the John Paul II Society. Well done to all involved.

So impressed with their fundraising activities for Ukraine, that the staff of the school added to this total, by contributing €176 from their ‘Coffee Morning Fundraiser’, thereby bringing the grand total to €826.

On the day of the TY Graduation, Ms Annette Meade and Ms Sandra Farrell, both representing the local support group, Nenagh Friends for Ukraine, came to the school to thank the girls for their incredible fundraising work.

Sandra Farrell spoke to the girls about the work already undertaken by Nenagh Friends for Ukraine in getting the newly arrived families settled into life in the town. She also spoke about what the funds will be used for during the summer months.

One person who was especially moved by this occasion was TY student Sofia Motsyk, who is herself a recent arrival from the Ukraine. Speaking to her teachers afterwards she said: “I have no words to describe how happy I feel at the amazing work done by this school.”