Irish Students Host Coffee Mornings to Support Together for Hospice

Transition Year (TY) students across Ireland are being encouraged to organize coffee mornings to generate crucial funds for Together for Hospice. This charity supports 24 organizations that provide palliative care for terminally ill patients and plays a vital role in fundraising for new facilities, renovations, and patient support services.

A key initiative this year is the annual Bewley’s Big Coffee Morning for Hospice, which is one of the longest-running charity partnerships in Ireland. Scheduled for September 25, 2024, the event invites students to host coffee mornings in their schools to raise money for the cause. Renowned chef and owner of Ballyknocken Cookery School, Catherine Fulvio, is actively promoting this effort.

At East Glendalough Secondary School in Co Wicklow, Fulvio joined TY students Alannah Skakie (16) and Harry Dunne (15) to emphasize the importance of community involvement. Fulvio stated, “Hosts have been gathering friends, family, colleagues, and neighbours to help raise funds for an amazing cause for over 30 years.”

Schools that register to host coffee mornings at hospicecoffeemorning.ie and submit their funds before November 14, 2024, will have the chance to win two free places in Fulvio’s online cookery course, along with a cash prize of €1,000, generously donated by Bewley’s.

Fulvio encouraged students to unleash their creativity, stating, “This year we want to encourage the new generation of coffee morning hosts to get involved. Get creative—have a cupcake decorating competition, bake sale, raffle, or community coffee morning. Invite your fellow students, parents, and local community and see how your support will make such a huge difference to hospice patients and their families.”

She described the campaign as an opportunity to support hospices and homecare services throughout Ireland while fostering community connections. “It’s a terrific campaign that supports hospices and homecare services across the country and the perfect opportunity to host a fun get-together with friends, family, or colleagues, while raising much-needed funds for your local hospice,” Fulvio added.

For those interested in participating, registering a class at hospicecoffeemorning.ie will provide a host pack that includes complimentary Bewley’s coffee, promotional posters, and collection boxes. Funds raised through initiatives like this support essential services funded by the Health Service Executive (HSE).

Last year, the Bewley’s Big Coffee Morning for Hospice raised over €2.2 million through more than 2,500 events, benefiting approximately 19,000 patients and their families. As the event approaches, students are poised to make a significant impact in their communities, continuing a tradition of support and compassion for those in need.