Local students show plenty of dash

IT’S never too early to learn about the benefits of helping those less fortunate than ourselves and it is never a bad idea to have some fun at the same time, particularly if your version of fun is to run while being pelted with powdered paint! 

Our Lady of Mercy Beaumont’s fifth year Leaving Cert Vocational Programme (LCVP) Enterprise students organised a Colour Dash to raise funds for the Irish Cancer Society (ICS). 

In the lead up to the event, the students ran an awareness campaign highlighting the ICS’s work and their dependence on charitable activity to fund research into cancer prevention and treatment. This resonated strongly with the student body, with many girls having experienced cancer within their own family circle. The enthusiastic students spent weeks planning this event – principally during lunch break and after school. 

Over 400 students and staff participated, with in excess of €1,000 donated. This follows on from April when €1,200 was donated to the Make-a-Wish Foundation.

Our Lady of Mercy Beaumont encourages social entrepreneurism. Over recent years students have learnt valuable life lessons through the successful planning, managing and completion of charity events. Local businesses generously supported the students’ fundraising through the donation of prizes, and the organisers would like to thank them all. The students also acknowledged the support of their Principal, Ms Rose Mary Lynch. 

For those who have yet to directly experience the manic thrill of the Colour Dash, they are encouraged to participate in the ICS Colour Dash in the Phoenix Park on June 11.