Laois school launches quirky fundraiser to help buy equipment for special ASD classrooms

A Laois school is holding a charity event to raise money for the provision of equipment for their new special classrooms.

Our Lady’s Meadow Durrow currently have two ASD special classes, and are set to receive another this coming school year.

The school hopes to raise €25,000 to support the costs of equipment for the rooms.

In an effort to do so, they are holding a ‘Durrow Dash’ this June, inviting everyone to walk, race, run or jog the five kilometre route planned in Dunmore woods.

“We were delighted to have been granted permission for another special class, we are after building a suite of rooms for our ASD classes,” Principal Ms Helen Coe told the Leinster Express / Laois Live.

“We currently have two ASD classrooms and a sensory room, a life-skills area, an office, a central activities area and quiet spaces for the two classes. Our third class will still be in a prefab, so we are trying to get the Department to send on funding for an extra classroom,” she said.

Funds raised will go directly towards essential resources such as specialised educational tools, sensory equipment, and tailored learning materials designed to meet each child’s needs.

Speaking with the Leinster Express / Laois Live over the past few months, many principals across Laois have been thrilled to have been sanctioned to establish a new special class, yet have struggled as no funding or facilities to accommodate the new class is provided.

“We were delighted to be granted the third special class and presumed we could put the class in the prefabs we already have, and unfortunately the department wouldn’t renew the lease on it,” the principal explained.

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The school availed of help from local politicians to advocate for the use of this prefab for a longer period of time, and are excited to provide essential equipment for their classrooms.

Teacher Eve Lawlor came up with the idea for the five kilometre walking / running fundraiser, and organised it with the help of fellow teachers Orla Robinson and David Fogarty.

“We hope to involve not just the school community, but the wider community of Durrow,” Ms Coe stated.

“This isn’t just a fundraiser for us, it’s a celebration of the school where everyone can come together for fresh air and fitness, for a great cause.”

Students within the school are excited for the race, with many taking part in athletics both inside and outside of the school.

“The race is open to everyone. We want this to be as inclusive for everyone as possible, it won’t be overly intense or over stimulating. Kids can take part, people can bring their dogs, buggies, they can walk the race too. We would love to see people involved in parkruns join us,” Ms Coe said.

Cash prizes are up for grabs for the first and second male finishers, and the first and second female finishers. There will also be prizes for the first primary school (from any school!) boy and girl to finish the race.

The race will take place on Saturday, June 20 at 10am, with registration available from 9am. Entry will cost €10 per adult and €5 per child, and is open to donations.

The school has established an iDonate page for their fundraiser. At the time this article was written, the school had raised a fantastic €790. To donate to the Durrow fundraiser, click here.

You can also pre-register for the race here.