At St. Mary's Secondary School, fundraising is much more than raising money – it is about developing compassionate, socially aware young people who understand the importance of giving back to their community and supporting those in need.
Our fundraising programme forms an integral part of our Pastoral Care and Social Awareness initiatives, encouraging students to become active citizens who demonstrate empathy, generosity and a commitment to helping others.
To ensure our fundraising activities are meaningful and manageable, the school typically supports one major fundraising initiative each term. We carefully select charities that reflect a balance of local, national and international causes, while remaining responsive to humanitarian emergencies and appeals when the need arises.
Supporting Our Local Community
Supporting local organisations is an important part of school life at St. Mary's. Each year our students and staff work closely with St. Vincent de Paul, Ballina, helping families in our community through a range of initiatives.
Students support the charity in many different ways, including:
- Food and Christmas hamper collections.
- Donations of toys, toiletries, clothing and essential items.
- Junior SVP activities and awareness campaigns.
- Transition Year social outreach and volunteering opportunities.
- Participation in the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal.
One of the highlights of the school calendar is the much-loved Staff Christmas Pantomime, a tradition that has entertained generations of students while raising valuable funds for St. Vincent de Paul. This annual event continues to bring our school community together in a spirit of generosity, fun and goodwill.
National and International Appeals
Throughout the year, St. Mary's proudly supports a variety of national and international charities and humanitarian appeals.
Students regularly participate in initiatives such as:
- Team Hope Christmas Shoebox Appeal.
- Trócaire Lenten Campaign.
- GOAL and other international relief organisations.
- Mercy International Association projects.
- Emergency fundraising appeals in response to natural disasters and humanitarian crises.
Over the years, the generosity of our students, parents and staff has helped support countless worthwhile causes both at home and abroad.
A Proud Fundraising Tradition
St. Mary's has a long and distinguished history of fundraising, with students continually finding creative and innovative ways to make a difference.
One of the school's most memorable initiatives was Jump for Joy, which began in the early 1990s as a basketball marathon in aid of Children's Health Ireland at Crumlin. As the event grew, it became part of the national Kellogg's Funraise for Kids campaign, with St. Mary's becoming one of the country's leading fundraising schools.
The school twice won the prestigious Tom Collins Trophy, awarded to Ireland's top fundraising school. In 2009 and 2012, our Transition Year students captured national attention by organising Guinness World Record attempts, including the Largest High Heel Race and Largest "Rock the Boat" Dance, raising over €10,000 for Children's Health Ireland while welcoming television personalities Bill Cullen and Jackie Lavin to the school.
Developing Responsible Global Citizens
Fundraising at St. Mary's is about much more than financial support. Every initiative provides students with opportunities to develop leadership, teamwork, empathy and social responsibility while gaining a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by others.
By working together for the benefit of local, national and international charities, our students learn that even small acts of kindness can make a lasting difference.
We are immensely proud of the generosity and community spirit shown by our students, staff and families, whose continued support ensures that St. Mary's remains a school where compassion, service and social justice are lived out every day.