Youth Action for Life

Newtown School, Newtown, Co. Waterford, 2017

Youth Action for Life
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CATEGORY: Make Our World Healthier Challenge (Physical Health)

The Idea

This team of young people wanted to reduce the anxiety and fear that is associated with cancer and its diagnosis and to encourage people to adopt healthier lifestyle choices to reduce their risk of developing the disease, while acknowledging that “clean living” does not necessarily guarantee good health.

The Action

They developed close links with Solas Cancer Support Centre, a Waterford-based organisation providing a wide range of supports and services to cancer patients, their carers and families.

The team promoted and participated in a wide range of community events to promote health and fitness and to raise funds for Solas including a Run for Life, Strides for Life, Youth Dance for Life and a Cycle for Life, which took place in the school sports hall and involved participants cycling on stationary bikes to power the film.

An inspired idea by the team saw them develop their own fundraising initiative called Laces for Life. They worked with a Donegal-based company to design bright orange laces (the colour associated with Solas), packaging and an information card. The laces sell for €3 with proceeds going to the Centre, and the buyer, through making the purchase, is committing to exercising for 30 minutes a day. Solas has agreed to continue the initiative indefinitely to help raise its €400,000 annual running costs.

The Impact

The group have estimated a projected fundraising total of €14,988 however, it was the range of activities that the team engaged in to raise awareness as well as funds that earned it this YSI Fun-raising Award.

Furthermore, Bank of Ireland has invited the team to showcase, speak out and fundraise at the upcoming Ardkeen Enterprise Village and the bank has also committed to matching any funds raised by the group at the event.

Cancer was a word that intimidated us, and rather than letting it get under our skin, we decided to turn our fear into positives.

YSI Team
Award Winner
2017 Fun-raising Award
Challenge supported by
Make Our World Healthier Challenge (Physical Health)