Mayo school raffling 20ft shipping container in novel fundraiser
ONE of Mayo’s smallest and most scenic national schools is raffling a 20ft shipping container to raise much-needed funds for IT, literacy, numeracy, music and PE equipment.
These are the final weeks of the raffle and the organisers have seen a big increase in interest recently.
“We believe this is the first time a shipping container has been raffled in Ireland. We’ve seen huge interest from the farming community, as well as builders and families looking for extra storage,” said Martin Gill, chairperson of the board of management at Murrisk National School, outside Westport.
“We’ve been selling tickets at Balla Mart, the Louisburgh Horse Show as well as on the street in Westport and the feedback has been great.”
The new 20ft container has been donated by TITAN Containers, who will deliver it for free anywhere in the Republic of Ireland (mainland only), and tickets have been selling well across the country.
Shipping containers are on trend, offering a flexible and a sustainable option for houses, home offices and even swimming pools. In Mayo, Big Style Atlantic Lodge in Killadoon opened a sauna housed inside one this summer. In Castlebar, the Coffee Shack is also a brightly repurposed shipping container.
“Murrisk National School is a wonderful small two-teacher school with great spirit. The children look up at Croagh Patrick from one classroom, and across Clew Bay from the other. Unfortunately, the views can't help us buy resources,” said Padraig Cunnane, acting principal.
“Last year our pupils Climbed with Charlie, and, this September, our 42 pupils welcomed 11 new classmates from Ukraine. The parents and community always come together and a huge amount of work has gone into this much needed fundraiser.”
Tickets are available to purchase online at www.idonate.ie/wina20ftcontainer. Tickets cost €10 each or you can purchase five for €50 and get one free.
The draw will take place on Friday, October 28, at Campbell's Pub in Murrisk at 9 p.m. and tickets are selling fast, say organisers.