Local students play their part in raising over €357k for The Hope Foundation
Several secondary schools across The Avondhu catchment had representatives amongst the 143 Transition Year and 5th Year students from across Cork city and county that recently travelled to Kolkata, India, for one week in early 2024 as part of The Hope Foundation’s School Immersion Programme.
One year ago, these incredible students signed up and began fundraising with a minimum target of €2,500 each to donate to The Hope Foundation. Many community events were held including bake sales, raffles, fun runs and quizzes by the students of 19 schools, to ensure they reached their targets. On top of this target, each student covered their own travel related costs - in total, €357,500 was raised. The dedication shown by these students and their families has been tremendous and instrumental in funding The Hope Foundation’s projects in Kolkata.
Participating schools included Loreto, Fermoy; Davis College, Mallow; Midleton College, Patrician Academy, Mallow; St. Mary's, Mallow and St. Mary's, Midleton. During their one week visit to the City of Joy with HOPE, students immersed themselves in Kolkata’s vibrant culture and celebrated the festival of Holi, they visited Jain and Hindu temples, and explored historical landmarks. In addition to the rich culture, the students witnessed first-hand how far their fundraising money goes towards reducing inequalities that street and slum connected communities face in Kolkata. They visited HOPE projects including their hospital, homework clubs, creches and adult vocational training centres, and met the local staff and students.
The Hope Foundation would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to these students, their families and their communities for the overwhelming support they received. There is no doubt that these extraordinary young people will continue to be active global citizens and act with compassion and solidarity.
If you would like to sign up to The Hope Foundation’s School Immersion Programme or find out more, simply email schools@hopefoundation.ie or visit www.hopefoundation.ie