No child left behind in Kilbehenny fundraiser

The return to school on Monday next will be a special day for all pupils lucky enough to walk through the gates once more, but a major fundraising drive by locals in Kilbehenny is set to make it even better for youngsters.

Tracy Breedy, who is a member of the Kilbehenny National School Parents’ Association, said the drive has surpassed its target and all funds raised will go to support well-being projects.

“The aim of the campaign is to get children and their families out of the house on the last weekend of February and to ‘March into March’.

“While families and bubbles put a spring in their step over the weekend, they will also be raising funds for the national school who are determined to support their students’ physical and mental wellbeing upon their return,” she said.

“Covid-19 and all the restrictions that have come with it has meant children around the country have had to adapt and remain resilient amongst new routines and rules that go against every fibre of what it means to be a child growing up. This initiative seeks to raise money to protect the wellbeing of these children going forward, show them fun and support them as they re-adapt to traditional routines,” she said.

‘INCREDIBLY PROACTIVE’

Tracy said that the school is a major part of the community and it was hugely important to help the children settle back into their school environment after the Covid-19 lockdown.

“We’ve gone past the target, started off low, didn’t want to put people under pressure but there has been a lot of support. The response has been brilliant.

“Our school is part of our community. It has a wonderful and dynamic team there, who have all rowed in the same direction, say yes about progressive activities and place a really big emphasis on sports and activities in school. A strong emphasis is placed on mental and physical health.

“They have been incredibly proactive in lockdown. All the staff, not just the teachers, have been making sure the children and parents get help and are being sympathetic with parents. No child is left behind,” she added.

This weekend will see dozens of people walking on the roads within 5km.