THE children of Ennis National School are using their artistic talents in more ways than one to show their support for the people of Ukraine. The school has organised a mixed media art exhibition along with a variety show fundraising concert which will be held in the coming weeks.
The exhibition will be on display at the end of this month at the County Museum, while the show will be held outside of the museum on June 8.
An online fundraiser has been set up at https://www.gofundme.com/f/v7fy4-ennis-national-school-fundraiser-for-ukraine with donations already coming in from those touched by what the students are trying to achieve.
Teacher Ciara Harding explains that the children were driven to do something to help those caught up in the war with Ukraine, and they were inspired by the work that is being done by Ennis Lions Club in raising money to support relief efforts.
“Colin Mangan an Ennis native and Ennis NS past pupil, has been living in Poland with his wife and two children on the Ukrainian border for the past ten years. He has seen the difficulties facing Ukrainian refugees crossing the border into Poland first hand.
“He has stressed the immediate need for help from people throughout Europe. Colin’s father and two sisters are members of Ennis Lions Club and have been very proactive in raising money for this worthy cause. The children at Ennis National School are very aware of the struggles in the Ukraine and were eager to help in any way they could.”
With this in mind they have designed, painted and created eight mixed media murals which will be displayed in the County Museum from May 30 to June 11.
“It is their hope that this platform may be used in order to promote the Go Fund Me Fundraiser to raise money for Ukrainian refugees and orphanages on the Polish border. The Clare Arts Council have been very active in helping with this endeavour,” says Ciara.
“The children have also been very busy working on a Variety Show which will take place in the Plaza outside the Museum on June 8 from 11am to 12 noon. The show will feature sketches, songs and dances from well-known movies.
“A number of schools, CBS, Holy Family, Gael Scoil, throughout Ennis will join together in a rendition of John Lennon’s Imagine as a grand finale, followed by a minute’s silence. Children will be collecting for Ennis Lions Club on the day and all proceeds will help Ukrainian refugees and Orphanages. We would really appreciate any donations and please share the Go Fund Me link.”