The students of St Mary’s Secondary School, Ballina are celebrating today after receiving an 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.
St Mary’s students encouraged over 300 of their classmates to take part in a full day of sporting activities, raising over €10,000 for the hospital. Leading the campaign, teacher Annette Leonard said: “We had so much fun taking part in the Kellogg’s Jump for Joy Schools Challenge. The school has been involved since the initiative started and it was great to do something really fun 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 St Mary’s 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.
Students participating in the Kellogg’s Jump for Joy Schools Challenge can organise any type of active event they wish. Registration for the 2008/2009 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 e-mailing [email protected]
