St Clements College Supports NOVAS Christmas Sleep-Out Event

St Clements College Supports NOVAS Christmas Sleep-Out Event. Aoife McDarby Novas Fundraiser Manger, Patricia Kierain Board of Management St Clements, Michael O Connor Principal. Students, Kenneath Cosgrave, Killian Mc Cormack, Jamal Ramadan, Cora Ryan Steps School Completion

St Clements College raises €500 in support of the 2025 NOVAS Christmas Sleep-Out Event in Limerick City

On Saturday, December 6th, 2025, NOVAS hosted its annual Christmas Sleep-Out event in Limerick City. More than 40 people braved the winter weather to bed down outside Brown Thomas for the night, raising awareness of homelessness and vital funds for NOVAS services.

Cora Ryan, School Completion Worker in St Clements College, organised a group of students to participate in this very worthy event. Speaking about the experience, Cora highlighted the growing issue of homelessness in Limerick, stating that the event demonstrated how homelessness can happen to anyone, at any stage of their life. She explained that while the boys had some awareness of homelessness, many did not realise the full impact it has on individuals and families.

St Clements College is an all-boys DEIS school located in Limerick City. The school was proud to support NOVAS’ Sleep-Out event, which works with people experiencing homelessness across Limerick City and County. The event aimed to raise awareness while also fundraising for essential services provided by NOVAS. Students and staff from the School Completion Project, led by Cora Ryan, assisted NOVAS staff by helping with the set-up outside Brown Thomas and participating in a bucket collection for several hours.

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Through their involvement, the boys gained a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by those experiencing homelessness. Kevin O’Callaghan, one of the students who took part, stated that he learned homelessness can happen to anyone at any stage of their lives, often due to circumstances beyond a person’s control such as job loss, illness, or family breakdown. Many of the boys admitted they did not realise how one wrong decision or unexpected life event could have such serious repercussions.

The experience also highlighted that homelessness does not only affect individuals but has a significant impact on families, particularly children, who may experience instability, stress, and disruption to their education and wellbeing. By engaging directly in fundraising and awareness activities, the boys developed empathy, social awareness, and a greater appreciation for the importance of community support services such as NOVAS in helping families rebuild their lives.

The Principal of St Clements College, Mr O’Connor, praised the students and staff involved, stating:
“I am extremely proud of our students for their commitment and compassion in supporting such an important cause. Events like this help our boys develop empathy, responsibility, and an understanding of the real challenges faced within our community.”

As part of St Clements College’s own fundraising efforts, the entire school community participated in a festive Colours Day to promote the event and raise much-needed funds for NOVAS. This initiative was supported by students Eric Fitzergald, Kevin O Callaghan and Sonny Dillon teaching staff Mr Giltenane, Mr Cronin and the school council. Who organised the event and displayed posters around the school. Students and staff were invited to contribute €2 on the day.

The school was delighted to raise a total of €500, and a massive thank you is extended to everyone who contributed and supported this meaningful cause.