Dundalk IT students raise almost €4,000 for cancer charities

Third-year Nursing and Event & Hospitality Management students at Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) have raised almost €4,000 for cancer charities through their annual fundraising events.

Third-year General Nursing students raised an impressive €2,804.40 for the Gary Kelly Cancer Support Centre in Drogheda. Their contribution will help the Centre to continue providing essential services to cancer patients and their families during the most challenging times of their lives.

The students organised a bake sale, raffle, and a range of fun activities, with generous prizes donated by local businesses across Louth and Meath. Ann Everitt-Reynolds, General Nursing Programme Director, expressed her gratitude, saying:

"We are delighted to support the Gary Kelly Cancer Centre and the fantastic work that they do. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the generous businesses whose support made our raffle possible. A special thank you to the DkIT community, families, and friends whose enthusiasm and generosity made this fundraiser a resounding success. Your continued collaboration means the world to us."

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Year 3 Event and Hospitality Management students, under the guidance of tutor Maria Roddy-Freyne, continued their long-standing tradition of supporting the Irish Cancer Society’s Breast Cancer Campaign, raising a fantastic €925 through a Big Pink Coffee Morning. The event featured a raffle, awareness activities promoting breast checks, and lots of community spirit.

Maria, a breast cancer survivor who has led these initiatives since 2014, reflected on the ongoing success: “Our students really enjoyed the event, which not only raised vital funds for breast cancer awareness but also strengthened teamwork and allowed them to apply what they’ve learned in their course.

"Breast cancer is a cause close to many of our hearts — with nearly 3,600 women and around 30 men diagnosed in Ireland each year, early detection and awareness are crucial. Every euro raised supports research and provides essential services nationwide. I’m incredibly proud of what they achieved.”

Since the initiative began, DkIT students, staff, and local businesses have raised over €17,000 for the Irish Cancer Society.

Event & Hospitality Management student Jessica Commins added: “We had such an amazing time at our fundraising event! Seeing everything come together after all the planning was so rewarding.

"Everyone really got into the spirit of the day, and hearing how much we raised at the end was the perfect way to wrap it up. Huge thanks to everyone who donated or came along to support — we couldn’t have done it without you.”