Laois students raise €1,700 for charity

Portlaoise College’s Meitheal student leaders combined fun, friendship and fundraising when they organised a sleepover in the school for first-year students, raising an impressive €1,700 for the school’s Gambia Project.

The Friday night event saw first years enjoy an evening of pizza, movies and plenty of sweet treats, with lots of laughter and an opportunity to strengthen friendships in a relaxed and enjoyable setting. The initiative showcased the leadership, organisation and community spirit of the Meitheal students, who took responsibility for planning the event while supporting an important school project. The funds raised were presented by the Meitheal leaders to the Portlaoise College Gambia team.

Meitheal Coordinator Sean O’Neill praised the students for their commitment and initiative. “The Meitheal leaders have shown fantastic leadership in organising this event. They created a great experience for our first years while also raising a fantastic amount of money for the Gambia Project. They should be very proud of what they have achieved,” he said.

Principal Noel Daly also commended the students following their achievement.

“Raising €1,700 is a tremendous achievement and reflects the generosity, initiative and community spirit of our students. It is particularly encouraging to see our Meitheal leaders taking such an active role in supporting the Gambia Project while helping younger students feel welcome and connected to the school,” he said.

The sleepover was a great success, demonstrating how student leadership can make a positive difference to school life while supporting a project that reaches beyond the school community.