A GROUP of students from the United States got a rare insight into Limerick life when they spent a week volunteering in community organisations across the city.
The students from Seton Hall and Gannon Universities were hosted by Mary Immaculate College and throughout the week worked with the Franciscan Friars at St Patrick’s Friary in Moyross, Limerick Youth Service, Northside Family Resource Centre, Novas Initiatives and the Butterfly Club in Rathkeale.
The 14 students and five leaders spent evenings and weekends painting at Our Lady of Lourdes Community Centre, working with Limerick Tidy Towns, Novas Initiatives soup run and fundraising for Rape Crisis Midwest.
There was also time for sightseeing around the Burren and west Clare as well as an Irish night at Bunratty Castle and medieval banquet at Knappogue Castle. They were also welcomed to City Hall by newly-appointed Mayor Liam Galvin.
Describing her experience at the Butterfly Club, Gannon University student Disa Rollinge rsaid: “Everything about the club, as well as everyone involved has been absolutely amazing. The experience is so inspiring and I am extremely delighted to have had this wonderful opportunity with such wonderful children and leaders.”
Dr Andrew Caswell, of Gannon University commented: “I expected to be challenged on this trip as an educator and a leader, but I didn’t expect to be challenged as a human being. My time with the men at the shelter made me reflect on the many ways in which I have been blessed in my life and my own shortcomings in passing those blessings onto others.”
