SHARE (Students Harness Aid for the Relief of the Elderly), the organisation for the care of Cork’s elderly, launched its traditional fast and fundraising campaign at the SHARE Crib, Daunt’s Square, Cork, (near Grand Parade) on Sunday, 14th December. The event saw an impressive turnout for its 45th year, in which almost 1,800 fourth and fifth-year students from 20 Cork schools rally round to raise funds for SHARE.
Special Guests, including The Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr. Mary Shields, Bishop John Buckley and Bishop Paul Colton, and Minister for State, Kathleen Lynch TD, joined the young students of SHARE at the opening ceremony at the specially erected Christmas Crib at Daunt’s Square, Cork. Bishop Buckley and Bishop Colton joined this year, as most years, in an ecumenical blessing of the crib. The Army band of the First Southern Brigade played Christmas seasonal carols to add to the already festive atmosphere around the Crib.
The Blessing of the SHARE Crib 2014 (Photo: Gerard McCarthy)
Evan O’Brien (17), a 5th year student at Presentation College Cork who is Chairman of the SHARE Executive (a group of 54 young students tasked with steering the initiative) said:
Our theme has been consistent over the last few years – it’s Dignity, Respect and Compassion – it’s what SHARE is all about We also want people to know that our efforts are not just at Christmas, SHARE boys and girls and volunteers from several school classes visit residents in their homes and at the Day Care Centre throughout the year, where we learn to understand the realities of growing old and the joys and challenges they bring first hand for ourselves, and we help in an way we can.
The SHARE boys and girls will collect in the city centre up until Christmas Eve, as many of their parents and brothers and sisters have done before them. The general public will also have an opportunity to give donations at SHARE cribs in specific shopping centres around the city and suburbs or at the Brother Jerome Kelly Day Care Centre on Sheare’s Street, Cork.
Evan added:
SHARE has provided almost 200 secure and comfortable housing units throughout Cork city during its 45 year history. The homes are of a high standard, are warm and homely and have all the necessary aids to ensure our SHARE people can live in safety and comfort. At the Day Care Centre they are provided with a range of practical services, including meals, a laundry service, and a network of support to help them to live comfortable, healthy lives in the heart of the community. There are many people wishing to find a home with SHARE and we try to facilitate them in the true spirit of Christmas and give them the dignity and security they deserve.
Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr. Mary Shields., Bishop Paul Colton and Fiacra (Deputy Chairperson of SHARE) at the Blessing of the SHARE Crib 2014 (Photo: Gerard McCarthy)
Visit the SHARE Crib at Daunt’s Square, or visit their cribs at Mahon Point, Merchant’s Quay, Wilton, Blackpool, Bishopstown Court, Douglas Court and Douglas Village Shopping Centre. Alternatively, donations can be posted or delivered in person to SHARE, The Brother Jerome Kelly Day Care Centre, Sheare’s Street, Cork where acknowledgements will be issued immediately.
Watched by the students of SHARE, and Minister of State, Kathleen Lynch, T.D., Bishop Colton and Bishop Buckley join in the Blessing of the SHARE Crib 2014 (Photo: Gerard McCarthy)
RSS - Posts