News

Ballinascarthy teens did 'sleepout' for charity

December 8th, 2016 7:10 AM

By Southern Star Team

Some of the Foróige members during their ‘sleepout' in Ballinascarthy on the following night.

Share this article

A total of 25 teenagers from Ballinascarthy Foróige club slept rough, in cardboard boxes, outside Ballinascarthy hall all in aid of Cork Penny Dinners – just hours after being dressed in all their finery at a gala awards ceremony.

A TOTAL of 25 teenagers from Ballinascarthy Foróige club slept rough, in cardboard boxes, outside Ballinascarthy hall all in aid of Cork Penny Dinners – just hours after being dressed in all their finery at a gala awards ceremony.

  ‘The response was incredible, with people dropping off non perishables and donating money all night,’ said Kate Crowley, an organiser of Foroige.

‘These youngsters bravely slept outside in sub zero temperatures, in fact -3 degrees was registered just after midnight, and they experienced what it must feel like to be homeless,’ she said.

‘Huge thanks goes to Betty, Teresa, Liz, William and Anthony, who supervised throughout the night,’ added Kate. ‘The experience these young people have gained by giving of their time and the insight they now have into being homeless, will stay with them forever.’

  On the Friday night, the teenagers accepted a West Cork Garda Youth Award in Skibbereen for their involvement and commitment to making the local film ‘Fordes of Ballinascarty – Freedom From Famine’.  

So it was off with the fancy dresses and dickie bows on Saturday night as they settled in for a hard night in a cardboard box. Cork Penny Dinners have thanked the teenagers for the non-perishables that were collected, and are still being collected. 

Bro Kevin Crowley called to the hall in Ballinascarthy and was presented with a cheque for €1,000, proceeds of a dance held in aid of his Capuchin Day Centre.  

The previous night a further €1,000 was presented to David O’Brien of Cancer Connect and €1,000 to Sheila Jennings, Bernie Harrington and Teresa O’Mahony of Cope in Clonakilty.  ‘So this just shows the heartwarming difference a small community can make when they have a big heart,’ said Kate.

Share this article