Park Montessori raise over €1,100 during art exhibition

On Thursday, June 27, Park Montessori School, Knockboy, held their annual Art Exhibition. This year’s beneficiary was the fantastic Juniors for Juniors, supporting the Children's Ward at UHW.

An astounding €1,110 was raised for the charity, which will go towards equipping a sensory room in the paediatric ward in UHW.

Each child produced an individual canvas using the Dutch Pour technique of painting, all done under the direction of teacher Louise Fraher. The pieces of art were then displayed in the school (art gallery) and parents came to ‘buy’ their child’s masterpiece. 

The theme of this year’s exhibition centered around the Chinese proverb about “The Red Thread”, which says that “an invisible red thread connects those who are destined to meet regardless of time, place or circumstance”. The thread may stretch or tangle but it will never break.

The children were encouraged to explore connections, both visible and invisible and to always be mindful of the red thread that binds us all together both in unity and separation.

On the day of the exhibition, Joe Daly and Ray Leahy were in attendance on behalf of Juniors for Juniors committee. The children were given a huge surprise when Joe arrived with his hot air balloon, which he set up in the school’s back garden.

Representatives from Park Montessori said: “Some wonderful memories were made. We are so grateful to all the parents and families who took part and donated so generously for this amazing local charity.”

Juniors for Juniors is a registered non-profit foundation based in Waterford, with the primary mission of improving the lives of children and their families who might be facing difficult times, offering solace wherever possible.

Currently, Juniors for Juniors is focused on providing support to young patients and their families at University Hospital Waterford through a series of fun and exciting campaigns.

In recent months the group have contributed to a redesign of the children's wards at University Hospital Waterford. Moving forward, the group aim to continue expanding, to reach and continue to touch the lives of as many individuals as possible. 

The Juniors for Juniors team sent a heartfelt thank you to the children, staff and parents of Park Montessori following the successful event. 

Co-Founder Ray Leahy said: "Juniors for Juniors were delighted to be chosen by the team at Park Montessori as their charity for the schools art exhibition this year. It was wonderful to go into the school with Junior and explain how we help children from the south east who visit UHW. The children loved meeting Junior and getting the stickers he brought with him.

"The team at Juniors for Juniors would like to express their thanks to Ruth and the ladies at Park Montessori and all the children for the amazing artwork. And to all the parents for all their donations, which will be put towards our sensory room project at UHW."