The students of The Marist College, Athlone are celebrating today after receiving a regional award for the funds they raised for the Kellogg’s Jump for Joy Schools Challenge in aid of Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin.
In total, students from secondary schools nationwide raised €190,000 for the worthy cause. The Kellogg’s Jump for Joy Schools Challenge, which encourages students to get active while raising much needed funds for the hospital is now in its 15th year with Kellogg’s sponsoring the event for the past 10 years and to date over 10,000 secondary school students around the country have raised over €2.5 million for the cause.
The Marist College students encouraged over 150 of their classmates to take part in various sporting events, raising over €3,000 for the hospital. Leading the campaign, teacher Derek McConn said, “We had so much fun taking part in the Kellogg’s Jump for Joy Schools Challenge. The school has been involved in previous years so it was great to participate again this year. It’s a bonus to have won a regional prize; the children are delighted to know that their efforts will be put to good use in Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital Crumlin.”
The funds raised by The Marist College will go towards financing the state-of-the-art Children’s Medical Tower as well as the hospital’s Solas Project and the Clown Doctor Programme. Solas is a unique online network that enables children to stay in touch with friends and family as well as play games and listen to music while staying at the hospital. Through the Clown Doctor Programme, a team of professionally trained actors dressed as ‘Clown Doctors’ visit young patients every week to spread fun and laughter throughout the hospital wards.
Speaking at the awards ceremony in Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital Crumlin, David Doran, chief executive of the Children’s Medical and Research Foundation, said, “We are delighted to award The Marist College with a trophy for their tremendous efforts. The money they raised will make a real and lasting difference to the children’s stay at the hospital.”
Also speaking at the ceremony, Jim McNeill, managing director of Kellogg’s Ireland said, “It’s great to see students getting involved in the Kellogg’s Jump for Joy Schools Challenge, The challenge is just one of a number of initiatives in the Kellogg’s Let’s Get Active programme which encourages people of all ages to be physically active. Charities really need our support and we would encourage schools nationwide to get behind this programme. The students all did extremely well this year, and it sounds like they had a great time in the process.”
Students participating in the Kellogg’s Jump for Joy Schools Challenge can organise any type of active event they wish.
Registration for the 2009/2010 challenge is now open for all secondary schools. Students and teachers who are interested in organising an event can get more information by visiting www.jump-for-joy.ie, by telephoning (01 ) 409 6300, or by emailing [email protected]
