Get off to a great start this Easter by joining pharmacist Ciara Garvey and the team from the Crossmaglen Health Centre Pharmacy on their fundraising 5K Dawn Walk!
The idea arose when the pharmacy team decided that it needed to do more to promote good mental health in the area – particularly among the young.
After initial meetings with staff from St Joseph’s High School in the town, including David Small (School Counsellor) and Maire Mulligan (Vice Principal), it was decided that the walk could be used to raise money for improved mental and emotional health services, such as workshops to educate about coping strategies, ‘be nice’ policies and mindfulness at the high school.
‘Sticks and stones will break my bones but names will never hurt me may be a popular rhyme taught to children,’ says St Joseph’s Principal, John Jones, ‘but the reality is that names quite often hurt much more than sticks or stones. By encouraging respect among pupils and promoting initiatives which allow the pupils to produce their own cyber rules and relevant laws, which will, in turn, provide improved boundaries.’
‘To date,’ says Ciara Garvey, ‘we’ve had a fantastic response from local sports groups, clubs and local businesses, who have all rallied behind the fundraiser. We are so lucky to live in an area of outstanding natural beauty, and to have the opportunity to take in these breathtaking views of the local area at a still and peaceful time is pretty exciting.’
The invitation to the Dawn Walk is extended to everyone, adults and children alike, and participants can run, walk, crawl or cycle. The route is manageable for all age groups and fitness levels.
The Dawn Walk will leave Caseys Eurospar and head towards the Culloville road, taking a left up Lisseraw and back up the town, passing St Joseph’s High School and back out to Caseys Eurospar. Each kilometre of the 5K Dawn Walk is sponsored by five local businesses: Crossmaglen Credit Union, Keenan’s Bar, Fives Taxi Dundalk, Superbites, The Cross Square Hotel and Bank of Ireland.
At the end of the walk, Caseys Eurospar in Crossmaglen is providing refreshments and some Easter treats for the kids. Spot prizes will then be given out including two Easter chocolate delights which Mary Deery of Valu Land has very kindly sponsored. In addition to these prizes, participants also have the opportunity to win a Medicare Activity Monitor and two family cinema passes sponsored by Crossmaglen Health Centre Pharmacy.
Anyone interested in helping out or assisting on the day with things such as stewarding along the walk, or with fundraising buckets, should contact St. Joseph’s High School or the Health Centre Pharmacy. All help is very much welcome and appreciated. Anyone who would like to donate can do so by leaving donations at the school, the pharmacy or at Keenan’s Bar.