€1,690 has so far been raised for the Portlaoise Action to Homelessness charity from a virtual ‘Walk to Lourdes’.
Sadhbh Dunne and Cara Phelan, who are both fifth year students in Scoil Chriost Ri, are hoping to achieve the Pope John Paul II award this year.
That award involves doing a number of community and social tasks – something that is very difficult to do in the middle of a pandemic.
So, three weeks ago, the pair came up with the idea of a virtual walk from Scoil Chriost Ri to Lourdes.
That is a total of 1,965km and so far they have logged 1,509km.
883km has been contributed by students, 233km by teachers and 503km by members of the public.
Teacher Ann Byrne said: “The Pope John Paul II students from Scoil Chriost Ri have supported PATH tirelessly over the years.
“Sadhbh Dunne and Cara Phelan have come up with a novel way for the 5th years and wider community to get their volunteer hours completed.
“Normally they would get an opportunity to go to Lourdes so instead they are launching a ‘Walk to Lourdes’ virtual campaign.
“It is 1,965km from Portlaoise to Lourdes so they are asking students, teachers and members of the public, as Lent continues to get out walking or running within your 5km limit and send your distance into the email walktolourdes1965@gmail.com
“Then if you would like, please donate something small to benefit the work of PATH: Portlaoise Action to Homeless; a group that supports both local families in need and the homeless in Dublin.
“We are blown away with the support that we have received so far.
“And we are delighted to have the support of our Bishop Denis Nulty and Fr David Vard as the girls hope to do something wonderful for others this Lent.
“Finally, please follow us on Instagram for regular updates on how near we are to Lourdes.
“For those of you who love a challenge you can aim to get there on your own or in a smaller family group.
“The data will be revealed at the end of every week during Lent on Instagram.”
Anyone wishing to donate, can do so below:
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