Press Release
October 4, 2019 • 3 min read
""THE CHILDREN IN SAPLINGS GET SO MUCH OUT OF IT WHEN THEY SEE US ALL WEARING OUR JERSEYS TOGETHER FOR A GREAT CAUSE. IF OUR CHILDREN CAN DO IT SO CAN ALL CHILDREN!" "
The inspiring students of the Saplings Special School in Kill, Co. Kildare, showed their support for millions of people in need around the world by togging out in their favourite team colours in support of GOAL Jersey Day. Pupils and teachers in the school for children with autism and other complex needs got kitted out early for this year’s GOAL Jersey Day event which officially takes place next Friday, October 11th. While they have special needs, 30 students in the school showed they were no different from their peers when they proudly donned their favourite team colours to raise money for GOAL’s work around the world. This is their 4th year to get involved.
The school was a sea of colour as excited students arrived in class wearing their favourite club, county or country colours to help GOAL’s humanitarian work in 13 countries overseas, giving a preview of the excitement that will erupt when schools and businesses all over Ireland say goodbye to their uniforms and workwear for one day next Friday. GOAL is asking workplace staff and students to wear their favourite sports shirt – be it the blue and gold of Tipperary, the red and white of Liverpool FC, or the green of Ireland – and donate to GOAL collections boxes provided.
Jersey Day is one of GOAL’s most loved and longest standing fundraisers, which has been running for more than three decades.
Speaking as they celebrated Jersey Day, Saplings principal Louise Caraher spoke about how much the fundraiser means to the school and the students. Even though the students have autism and complex needs the school and their families feel it is important that they learn about the wider world and about helping other children:
“GOAL Jersey Day is a great initiative – anyone can participate in it because it’s so inclusive. The children in Saplings get so much out of it when they see us all wearing our jerseys together for a great cause. If our children can do it so can all children! We’re big fans of Jersey Day here at Saplings and hope many more schools join us in fundraising for GOAL. It’s a great day for the children, and we get the opportunity to talk about the work GOAL does to help vulnerable communities worldwide. I encourage any teachers and principals not involved to participate and do their bit for GOAL.”
Saplings student Daniel Whelan enjoys Jersey Day so much he worked on a project at home to present to Media Officer Alison Balfe on the Jersey Day:
“Today I am wearing my Kildare Jersey for GOAL’s work in 13 countries to help them recover from humanitarian crises. GOAL Jersey Day 2019 is for the life-saving work GOAL does. Up the Lily Whites and up Jersey Day 2019.”
GOAL’s Director of Fundraising and Marketing, Eamon Sharkey, commended the students for their enthusiasm and their support for GOAL:
“Congratulations to all of the students who took part in GOAL Jersey Day we are so grateful for their continued support. It’s great to have Saplings on board again this year and for the students to show how much fun can be had. GOAL Jersey Day is the perfect opportunity for people to proudly wear team colours, and to share sporting opinions and have banter with anyone in the office, or school, who will listen. It can also boost school or office spirits by working together for such an important cause.”
Last year Jersey Day raised over €150,000 for GOAL. GOAL works on developing some of the world’s most vulnerable communities through emergency response, health, nutrition and sustainable livelihoods. This year, GOAL hopes for this Jersey Day to be the best yet.
Signing up to Jersey Day is simple. Just email your interest to jerseyday@goal.ie or visit jerseyday.org for more information.
