Carlow National School to raise funds through house sale
Pictured at the launch of the Carlow National School Fundraiser were (l-r) Rev Paul Fitzpatrick, Keith Sothern (REA Sothern Auctioneers), Celina Dempsey (Principal), Ali Kiernan and Grainne Aylmer (Aylmer Solicitors), Robert Kidd (Board of Management) and pupils representing the school. Photo: michaelorourkephotography.ie
THE parents’ committee of Carlow National School has come up with a unique fundraising strategy this term. Instead of doing the usual raffle, they plan to sell a house.
“It’s a little bit different,” said Keith Sothern, director of REA Sothern and chairperson of the parents’ association. Mr Sothern who attended Carlow National School as a child himself, is the man behind the initiative.
His estate agency will be donating the fees they would usually collect from selling a house. Ali Kiernan in Aylmer Solicitors is also waiving her legal fees for the sale of the property. They hope this will result in a €5,000 donation to the school.
“We’re trying to come up with ways, instead of putting pressure on parents, to fundraise money,” explained Mr Sothern.
Mr Sothern said the “teachers are absolutely phenomenal” and the “staff are tremendous”, but that the school struggles to get enough grant money. Last year, the school raffle draw raised €8,000 which was spent on iPads and MacBooks for the school.
“Lots of primary schools have them. We were a bit behind,” he explained.
Plans are in place to secure an appropriate property – preferably a 3-bed semi-detached house – in the next two to three weeks, with the whole process taking around 12–20 weeks from start to finish.
They plan for the fundraised money to go towards outfitting the newly-built modular classrooms.
“We’re trying to give them as many things as possible to help them progress,” said Mr Sothern.
