The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
Killarney TY students do their bit for Team Hope
TRANSITION year students at St Brendan’s College are pretty busy right now as the annual Christmas Shoebox Appeal gets into full swing. This is a wonderful initiative that sees kids in Killarney prepare Christmas boxes for children in some of the most disadvantaged parts of the world, and is organised in conjunction with Team Hope Ireland.
The TY students bring in the boxes themselves, as do students from the junior classes, and they help to box the presents for shipping with Margaret Scully at the collection centre. It’s a wonderful idea that teaches them the importance of showing kindness and consideration to others.
Bridget Lucey is a teacher and Transition Year Coordinator overseeing the project and she insists that it is a very beneficial experience that benefits everyone.
“The boys stay on in the evening after school and they really stretch themselves to do their bit and to get things boxed in time. It’s the volunteering aspect that’s important and it’s good for them to see that not everything is easily handed to people, and to help people who are in need,” said Bridget.
The Christmas boxes are mainly distributed to children in poor parts of Eastern Europe and Africa where Team Hope also work with children, their families and communities in development projects throughout the year.
“We have 72 TY students here who take turns volunteering and they are assisted by 1st and 2nd year students who bring in the boxes, even the staff get involved and it’s a great demonstration of teamwork which is an important thing for any young student to learn. It’s also great for the students to experience the importance of helping people,” Bridget said.