The committed Saint Vincent DePaul team from Saint Catherine’s College organised the annual school foodbank appeal, ensuring every class in the school had an opportunity to drop off their donations. The pupils, aided by the school’s chaplain, Mr Matthew McFadden and RE teacher Miss Ciara Murray, were keen to support the work of Armagh Foodbank which helps local people and families in crisis by providing emergency food aid.
Matthew McFadden praised the generosity of the pupils and parents:
“It’s been a difficult and challenging few years and people have enough to worry about without the additional concern of where their next family meal is going to come from. Going without food is a genuine fear for many people this Christmas. Community is an important part of life in St. Catherine’s and we wanted to do something to help those in our local community that are in need at this time so supporting the Armagh Foodbank was a good opportunity. I have been so humbled by the response of our pupils and their families and delighted we were all able to make such a significant contribution to the Foodbank.”
Armagh Foodbank Director Richard Thompson offered his thanks to the school community:
“Thanks to all at Saint Catherine’s for your amazing support once again to Armagh Foodbank. This year’s collection weighed in at 1100kg which is equal in value to £1936 and will feed roughly 20 local families in need.”
The school also had a major fundraising drive for St. Vincent de Paul. Pupils made a contribution towards their Christmas Cheer Day for the organisation and another team of pupils in the school, supported by their teacher Mrs Ailish Carroll, organised a community raffle. The total raised was £2,500!. Accepting the donation on behalf of the St. Vincent de Paul, Mrs Bernie McNeice, praised the pupils’ efforts, explaining the value of their generosity: “This year we have tripled the number of families that need help in this area. This particular money will go to support the fuel costs, keeping homes warm and cooking the food provided this Christmas.”
Pictured here are some of the representatives of the Year 13 Saint Vincent DePaul Ethos team members from Saint Catherine’s College.
L - R Niamh Trainor, Katie Davidson, Paula Carlisle, Ellen McCaffrey, Meabh Quinn, Lucia Gordon
Pictured below are some of the pupils from the Ethos Team and School Chaplain, Mr Matthew McFadden with the van filled full of generous donations from staff, parents and pupils of Saint Catherine’s College.
Pictured here L - R School Chaplain Mr Matthew McFadden, Mrs Ailish Carroll, SVP Representative Mrs Bernie McNeice, Emilija Laksa, Molly Hughes, Cliodhna Bevin.
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