Community school raises over €2,500 for Pieta House
By Aideen O'Flaherty
OVER €2,500 was raised for mental health charity Pieta House by the staff of St Colmcille’s Community School in Knocklyon last month.
Over 40 staff members from the school donned their running shoes and undertook a virtual 5k last May, while business and computer studies teacher Darren Carey went one step further and did a 50k challenge – where he cycled for 25k and then ran for 25k.
At the presentation of a cheque to Pieta House were Siobhan Beatty, Darren Carey, Carol Carty and Patricia O’Doherty
Speaking about how the fundraiser came about, Darren said: “It was initially an initiative to get people moving, so I just said if they wanted to walk or jog 5k they could get involved.
“We called it the St Colmcille’s staff challenge, and I set up a WhatsApp group where staff started sending in pictures from their runs and of their donations.
“We decided to raise money for Pieta House because we’re all well aware of the needs of young people in the area, and we want them to know that there are services there that can help them if they need help with their mental health.”
€1,234 was raised by the staff who took part in the 5k virtual relay, while a further €1,300 was raised by Darren, who is from Ronanstown in Clondalkin, as a result of his 50k challenge which he undertook with his friend George Brady.
“We had a great response to the fundraiser, it was very positive,” added Darren. “People were really aware of the huge need for support for a charity like Pieta House, I think it hits home for a lot of people.
“I hope the money raised will have a huge impact, with regards to the charity continuing to provide their key services like counselling.”
Pieta House first opened its doors in Lucan in 2006, and since then has grown to be a nationwide service with 15 centres and five outreach services.
For information on Pieta House and its support services visit www.pieta.ie, or call Pieta House on 1800 247 247, or its Dublin South branch on 01 462 4792.
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