In a powerful show of support for their peers, third year students at Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) hosted a week of exciting events that took place between November 26^th and November 28^th to raise awareness and funds for the DkIT student hardship fund. The events were all united under the #HeroesForHardship campaign which aims to support students who are facing extreme financial difficulties amid the ongoing cost of living crisis. The students raised a grand total of €1524.67, which will make a huge difference to students in dire need.

The DkIT hardship fund provides essential assistance for students who are facing financial difficulties due to personal circumstances or other hardships. All donations raised during the week will help support the DkIT Pantry, a vital college resource that offers non-perishable food, hygiene items, and emergency financial aid to students in need.

The events, reflecting the theme of #HeroesForHardship, created a fun atmosphere on campus with students and staff engaging in a range of activities such as Bingo, Sip N Sketch, Karaoke, Gaming Tournaments, a Heroes Quest quiz, Marvelous Movie Night, and Olympic and Jungle themed challenges and games.

The #HeroesForHardship campaign, organised by third-year students, not only highlighted the challenges faced by students in today’s economy but also emphasised the importance of community support in helping fellow peers overcome adversity. The campaign also aimed to inspire a long-term community engagement for DkIT students, creating a campus culture of generosity and empathy.

“The Student Hardship Fund is important as it supports students who are facing extreme financial difficulties. Through non-perishable food and basic hygiene items or a small amount of cash to help out in an emergency the hardship fund ensures in a time of need support can be offered” said DkIT Pastoral Care Coordinator, Alan Conlon when asked about the importance of the hardship fund. “Events like this week are important to raise awareness and support for the Hardship Fund. The more awareness and the more support it gets, the more it can provide assistance to those students in need. It ensures that we can regularly keep the Pantry stocked and also have a sum of money on hand to provide to a student who is in difficulty.”

A huge thanks to everyone who contributed to this great cause and helped support the students in the DkIT community.