Future Sparks award recognises CBS fundraiser
Students in CBS in Mitchelstown are one of three Cork schools who won top prizes at the inaugural AIB Future Sparks School Impact Awards, for the mammoth fundraiser they organised for the late John White last April. John White was well-known throughout the town, not only for his long career with CBS Secondary School, but also his active involvement with Park
United FC and the local scouts, the 29th/30th Cork Scout Group.
Mr White was an SNA in CBS for almost two decades and passed away in October last year having fought oesophageal cancer for the last months of his life. When diagnosed, he himself undertook a major fundraising effort for Autism Assistance Dogs Ireland, while the students took up the fundraising mantle too and organised a huge coffee morning and ‘Shave or Dye’ fundraiser for the Irish Cancer
Society. They raised €16,802.90 in total and went on to win the AIB prize, as the event ‘showcased collective action and solidarity, teaching compassion and community support’.
'INCREDIBLY PROUD'
Speaking with The Avondhu, their teacher and co-ordinator, Michelle O’Keeffe, said how very proud the whole school were of the students, of whom only a small number could travel to the Gala awards in Croke Park on Wednesday last week.
“The big thing was that it was a wholeschool event, with barbers involved, the students, the parents’ association. We could have filled 10 tables! Their behaviour was exemplary and so many boys got involved.”
The student council initiated the idea in January last year when John was in the final stages of treatment, and the big fundraiser was held at the end of April.
“We’re incredibly proud of them”, said Ms O’Keeffe.