by Louise Doyle
A FUNDRAISER is underway at Scoil Chróine in Dungloe to raise €55,000 to transform an outdoor space into a 3G astro surface to make playtime more fun.
The ‘Sponsor a square foot, let’s get the yard done and make playtime more fun’ aims to turn a current gravel yard into a vibrant, all-weather sports area that benefits students, staff, and the community for years to come.
Each square foot sponsored for €20 brings on the online iDonate fundraiser brings the school community one step closer to achieving their goal.
Speaking to the Donegal News, Scoil Chróine Principal Micheál Ó Fearraigh said the fundraiser is a whole school community effort. He said it is hoped that the 3G astro surface will be in place this summer.
“We’re hoping to upgrade the space we have currently in order to use it throughout the year for PE facilities. We have fields, but other than the months of May and June they really can’t be used.
“This would be a great area for PE and for pupils during break time. As there is so much rainfall, that presents us with its own difficulties in the surface we have at the minute.”
The 3G astro surface will be constructed by PierForce Construction Ltd, Mountcharles. The total cost of the project is €100,000. Fundraising has been going on for the last number of years which has raisd €50,000.
Mr Ó Fearraigh said the response has been “brilliant” so far, with sponsorship coming from many people including past pupils at home and in the Irish Diaspora.
“We’re hoping to get as many people as possible on board, from past pupils who are the next generation to those former pupils in the Irish Diaspora who have emigrated.
“There is no direct funding for something like this. Everyone in the school community is hoping we can get this project over the line.
“All being well, we hope to have it done over the summer. If there is a shortfall in funds raised then we will have to look at other fundraisers.”
Mr Ó Fearraigh praised the hardworking and dedicated Parents’ Association, who have been at the helm of the fundraiser.
“The Parents’ Association has really been driving this forward. They have been running a weekly school lotto, which has been very successful.
They have organised draws and colour runs, and they have plenty of other things in the pipeline. I’d like to acknowledge their hard work and dedication. It is very much appreciated.”
As a token of gratitude, every sponsor will have their name displayed on the ‘Friends of Scoil Chróine Appreciation Wall’.
See https://www.idonate.ie/event/scoilchroineplaygroundfundraiser to donate.
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