Children in the Presentation Primary School in Portarlington baked some delicious treats and donated them to residents at the Direct Provision Centre at the Montague recently.
Second Class teacher Bronagh Murphy is a volunteer with the new charitable organisation called ‘Consider It Cakes’.
Consider It Cakes was launched by Franciska Acs and partner Darragh Kiely last year.
Since the project was set up last summer, over 500 cakes have been delivered to people living in Direct Provision and emergency accommodation with over 300 people currently volunteering to bake and deliver cakes to centres across the country.
Alanna, Milly, Holly, Cheryl, Aysha, Faye, Sophie, Hollie, Tamika and Kayla from Ms Murphy’s class baked brownies, cookies and cupcakes.
Ms Dollard’s 4th class also got involved and baked a huge amount of sweet treats for the Direct Provision Centre.
Similarly, Ms Kelly’s 4th class made beautiful cards for the children and one student, Saoirse Ryan, also baked a cake!
Ijeoma Ruth and Amanda are two residents of the hostel who organise the events for the children there and they received the kind gifts.
Reflecting on the experience, Bronagh explained how the children had really enjoyed helping others.
She said: “This week the girls engaged with a number of fun activities in school as part of active schools week. As an extra treat today the children all received ice-cream in school.
“However, the girls involved in the baking commented that they felt the children in the Direct Provision Centre should also have access to treats and fun activities.
“As a result they were very enthusiastic about having the opportunity to bake treats to send to them. The girls also highlighted that it was an extra treat for them also as they really enjoyed the baking too.
“Consider it Cakes truly is an excellent organisation as it creates a bridge for communities to help and support one another.
“As a result of the baking in schools, many of the children have pledged to bake again and again.
While Consider it Cakes supplies baked goods for the residents in the DP centre they also provide food to other people who the struggling and work with a number of organisations across Ireland.
“There are many upcoming events for people to get involved with. For example, we will be provide baked goods, both sweet and savoury, twice this month to PATH (Portlaoise Action to Homeless). Going forward Consider it Cakes aims to work with PATH twice or three times a month.”
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