The Action

They developed close links with Solas Cancer Support Centre, a Waterford-based organisation providing a wide range of supports and services to cancer patients, their carers and families.

The team promoted and participated in a wide range of community events to promote health and fitness and to raise funds for Solas including a Run for Life, Strides for Life, Youth Dance for Life and a Cycle for Life, which took place in the school sports hall and involved participants cycling on stationary bikes to power the film.

An inspired idea by the team saw them develop their own fundraising initiative called Laces for Life. They worked with a Donegal-based company to design bright orange laces (the colour associated with Solas), packaging and an information card. The laces sell for €3 with proceeds going to the Centre, and the buyer, through making the purchase, is committing to exercising for 30 minutes a day. Solas has agreed to continue the initiative indefinitely to help raise its €400,000 annual running costs.

The Impact

The group have estimated a projected fundraising total of €14,988 however, it was the range of activities that the team engaged in to raise awareness as well as funds that earned it this YSI Fun-raising Award.

Furthermore, Bank of Ireland has invited the team to showcase, speak out and fundraise at the upcoming Ardkeen Enterprise Village and the bank has also committed to matching any funds raised by the group at the event.