Pupils deliver cheque for wheelchairs in Moldova
PUPILS from St Andrew’s National School in Bray recently handed over €2,000 to help buy wheelchairs for children in need.
The children had raised the money for Outreach Moldova, an Irish charity supporting children with additional needs in an orphanage in Hincesti, Moldova, and were delighted to welcome Dr Suzanne O’Connel from the charity to the school last Wednesday, where they presented her with a cheque for €2,100.
Inspired by the Moldovan families in their school, the children learned about Moldova, its landmarks, traditions, languages and food while the Moldovan families captured imaginations when they wore some national costumes, to give everyone a taste of their wonderful country.
The children raised money in lots of ways throughout the year.
The fundraising programme was kickstarted by Bray man and Ireland soccer international Darren Randolph with a video message on the eve of the Ireland v Moldova match in 2017, when pupils held a jersey day.
One of the parents in St Andrew’s worked as a volunteer in the Hincesti orphanage a few years ago, so she described her volunteer work and shared stories of her time in Moldova.
At the Christmas fair, sixth class ran a successful ‘Baubles for Moldova’ stall.
Proceeds from the collections at two Christmas carol services were also donated to help reach the target. Finally, in early January the school ran a bag collection.
Dr O’Connell congratulated the children on their achievement and thanked them for their continued support of Outreach Moldova.