Chalk Talk: Meath schools inspire with festive fundraising efforts
Schools across Meath have once again shown just how powerful young people can be when they rally behind a good cause. From bake sales and animal-welfare donations to the ever-popular Team Hope Shoebox Appeal, students throughout the county continue to show outstanding kindness and leadership.
Coláiste na Mí: Baking for a Brilliant Cause
Students in Féile at Coláiste na Mí recently hosted a hugely successful bake sale in aid of the Irish Guide Dogs, raising €393 for the charity. The group spent the week preparing for the event - baking treats, planning the stall and learning about the essential work of the Irish Guide Dogs as part of their Animal Care studies. Their week was made even more memorable when training dogs visited the school, offering students a first-hand look at the role assistance animals play in supporting independence.
Coláiste Ríoga, Dunshaughlin: Sweet Treats, Kind Hearts
Coláiste Ríoga students held a bake sale and generously donated a selection of the freshly baked treats to a local care home in Dunshaughlin, ensuring residents could enjoy something special. Students that not only raised funds for their School Performance "Shriek" last month, but spread a bit of sweetness in their community too.
Eureka Secondary School: Supporting Last Hope Animal Charity
At Eureka Secondary School, students continued their tradition of helping local causes by donating funds raised during the school’s Halloween Dress-Up Day to Last Hope Animal Charity. Their contribution supports the rescue and care of vulnerable animals across the Meath area.
Athboy Community School: Cheque Presentation to Jigsaw
Brenda Bradley from Jigsaw was presented with a Cheque from the Students at Athboy CS, the proceeds of the Halloween Dress-Up Day held just before the Mid-Term Break.
Brenda met with some members of the Student Council to outline the vital work Jigsaw does in supporting the mental health and wellbeing of young people across Ireland, and to thank the students of Athboy Community School for their fundraising efforts. She explained how Jigsaw provides free, confidential mental-health support for young people aged 12–25, as well as guidance and training for schools and families.
Afterwards, Brenda met with members of the school’s care team to give further guidance on Jigsaw’s partnership with NEPS in delivering NEART, the new national wellbeing and mental-health programme for post-primary schools.
Countywide Support for the Team Hope Shoebox Appeal
The Team Hope Christmas Shoebox Appeal once again saw outstanding participation across the county. Schools including St Oliver Post Primary School, Oldcastle; Athboy CS; and Newtown National School in Ardee organised beautifully coordinated collections, gathering toys, sweets, stationery and sanitary essentials. For many children abroad, these boxes will be the only gift they receive this Christmas - a fact not lost on the students who carefully packed each one.
Navan Schools Rally behind Zac Rocks fund
Navan schools are once again uniting behind the much-loved Zac Rocks Fund, a gift-giving initiative that brings Christmas cheer to children in Temple Street and Our Lady of Lourdes Hospitals. Most primary and secondary schools in the town take part each year, donating toys and treats in memory of Zac, whose parents run the fundraiser with huge heart. This year’s Toy Run takes place on 6th December, with schools organising their own collections and Smyths Toystore Navan offering both a drop-off point and a QR-code link for online donations. The community’s support ensures that young patients spending Christmas in hospital receive a little joy when they need it most.
A Shared Spirit of Giving
Whether supporting animal charities, brightening the Christmas of children abroad, or spreading joy to local care home residents, students across Meath are showing that acts of generosity can make a lasting impact.
Their efforts stand as a reminder that kindness, when shared, multiplies.