PICTURES: Limerick school's sleep-out raises money and awareness of homelessness

FIFTY students and 17 staff appreciated their warm and cosy beds over Christmas and new year like never before after their sleep-out for charities.

The school community of John the Baptist secondary school in Hospital raised awareness of homelessness and €8,500 for a number of charities including Novas, the ISPCC, Jigsaw and Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association. 

The school’s wellbeing team of Danny Wade and Marie Kennedy had lots to entertain the brave souls and stop their teeth from chattering

Students and teachers part in a wide range of activities that added energy and positivity to the event, including calming yoga sessions with Desiree, bracelet-making, group games, and the creation of a permanent art installation featuring positive words and phrases that will remain on display as a reminder of their collective commitment to kindness and solidarity.  

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Danny said the night was filled with great fun, a wonderful sense of togetherness, and many reflective conversations that deepened the purpose of the event. 

“As morning dawned and on a reflection exercise before heading for the comfort of home we all gained an appreciation of how lucky we are to have a home to return to and a warm bed to sleep on. 

“It gave a huge awareness of how difficult and emotionally draining it must be for those who are without a home and have to repeat this ordeal every night,” said Danny, who paid a heartfelt thank you to all involved - especially the teachers and staff who organised activities, supervised throughout, and bravely faced the cold temperatures and a relatively sleepless night to support their students.  

“Thank you to Marie Kennedy, our caretaking staff for preparing the grounds, parents and guardians for their encouragement, and most of all our students, whose enthusiasm, maturity, and empathy made the sleep out such a meaningful and memorable success,” said Danny. 

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