By Ann Marie Foley - 18 December, 2013
Almost two thousand fourth and fifth year students launched the annual SHARE fundraiser in Cork city last Sunday aimed at generating badly needed funds for the charity.
The students will continue to collect at designated locations around the city up to Christmas Eve.
At the crib at Daunt’s Square in Cork on Sunday, students from 22 schools opened their 2013 fundraiser with a fast for SHARE – Students Harness Aid for the Relief of the Elderly.
It was the 44nd annual fast for SHARE, and it is the only campaign the charity does during the year.
“Every euro collected goes to support the elderly. We are excited to take up this annual tradition; it is almost like a rite of passage for Cork’s young people,” 17-year-old Michael McGrath, Chairman of the SHARE Executive (a group of 56 young students who steer the initiative) said.
“This year will be another challenging year for us and for people generally. We know people have had to tighten their belts yet again this year but we feel confident that we can rely on the people of Cork, who have always shown immense generosity and open heartedness.”
The Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Catherine Clancy, Bishop John Buckley and Bishop Paul Colton, joined the young students around the Crib at Daunt’s Square, while the Cork City Fire Brigade and Togher Pipe Band played seasonal tunes.
Approximately 1,800 students participated with their bright yellow sealed collection boxes and yellow jackets, encouraging the public to donate.
Donations cane be made at SHARE cribs in specific shopping centres around the city and suburbs or at the Brother Jerome Kelly Day Care Centre in Sheare’s Street, Cork.
SHARE was founded by Brother Jerome Kelly in 1970. The organisation is active throughout the year and not just at Christmas.
Young people visit residents in their homes and at the Day Care Centre throughout the year, enabling them to see first hand and understand the realities of advancing years and the joys.
Over 200 housing units have been provided by SHARE around the city over the last 44 years.
These homes are comfortable, secure and with user-friendly bathrooms and security systems.
The organisation maintains and runs these homes and during 2013 it improved flooring, lighting, tiling, bathroom fittings, boilers, insulation as well as carrying out general repairs on several of them.
SHARE also provides a range of practical services for the elderly including meals, laundry, and a network of support to help them to live comfortable, healthy lives in the heart of the community.
