St Francis NS pupils raise €4,240 for Dundalk Simon Community with sponsored sleepout

Pupils from the two 4th classes, Spideoga and Smólaigh, at St Francis NS Blackrock  held a sponsored ‘Sleep Out’ at the end of September, in aid of the Dundalk Simon Community, raising €4,240 which they presented to the charity today. 

Having studied the topic of homelessness, and from an informative visit from Yvonne  from Dundalk Simon Community, the children learned about the different types of  homelessness, it’s impact and how it is a huge problem across Ireland and in our  own community.

The children particularly focused on the person behind the homeless person and how it could happen to any one of us. They learned about the  supports available and the wonderful and life-changing work charity organisations such as The Dundalk Simon Community provide and how we can support them. 

The children did themselves and their school proud by challenging themselves to  experience what it is like to sleep rough in order to raise awareness on the topic of  homelessness and to raise vital funds for Dundalk Simon Community.

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Before settling down outside for the night, the children investigated where would be the best  place to sleep, the most suitable and accessible materials to create shelters from  and how to optimise these materials in order to keep as warm, dry and comfortable  as possible.

Speaking after the event, deputy principal and class teacher, Elaine  O'Rourke said: "We have held this event for the last four years and it is always a fun  and positive learning experience that the pupils take on with reverence and an  understanding of all we have to be thankful for. We are aware that we, as a society,  cannot ignore the problem of homelessness. We acknowledge how our contribution, however small, can help make change for the better." 

In total, 58 children took part and those unable to attend the sleepout at the school  participated from home instead, by giving up their comfortable bed and sleeping on  the floor. They were supervised by the class teachers, Elaine O'Rourke and Ciarán.

Ward, Special Needs Assistant Suzanne O’Hare and the school principal, Oreena Lawless. 

Mrs O'Rourke went on to thank Yvonne from The Dundalk Simon Community for  coming in to speak with the children.

"The information Yvonne presented and her  sharing of experiences added reality and greater depth to our study on  Homelessness."

She also wished to acknowledge the support of the Dundalk Lions  Club, along with the parents and the and the Board of Management of St Francis NS  for supporting the fundraiser and allowing them to use the school premises and facilities for the event.

Finally, she said: “A special thank to School Principal, Oreena  Lawless and SNA Suzanne for giving of their time to join us at the overnight  sleepout”.