With primary schools in Dublin preparing to close for the Summer holidays this week, children preparing to say good luck to their teachers until September are been asked to say a special thanks and in turn give a helping hand to those most in need.
Crosscare, the social care agency of the Archdiocese of Dublin, is this year offering families an alternative gift for teachers.
Instead of the usual chocolates and flowers that students normally give teachers before the summer holidays, Crosscare is asking for a donation to assist its work with those most in need across Dublin.
In return families can download a special Thank You Teacher card from its website and the can add their own personal greeting.
Speaking this week Crosscare Director Conor Hickey said “We are aware of how scarce money is now for families and we feel that the token of a gift of gratitude to your teacher is important. Rather than spend money on something that may well end up not being used, we are offering an alternative that can add real value to someone's life while at the same time letting the teacher know that you appreciate them and their efforts over the year.”
“Crosscare has seen an increase in demand on our services particularly over the past four years. Our meals programme now delivers over 200,000 meals per year and our housing and welfare information service had nearly 5,000 contacts over the past 12 months. The money raised through the 'Thank You Teacher’ appeal will make a huge difference to so many lives.”
Crosscare has been working for over 70 years with people across Dublin who are on the margins of society, providing care and support to vulnerable people in the city through their range of education, counselling, food and housing support programmes.
Indeed Its food services alone provide three course meals to the public for €3 and meals on wheels to hundreds of people living alone or who are isolated and in need of support.