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On this Saturday 8th May Sunday School children from across the Presbyterian Church in Ireland will gather at Gosford Forest Park, Markethill, County Armagh, for a day of exhilaration and fundraising fun. An estimated five thousand kids along with helpers, teachers and bus drivers are expected to participate in the annual Sunday School "Making a Difference" (M.A.D.) Fun Day which raises money for various church related youth projects overseas. It is believed to be the biggest event of its' kind in the United Kingdom and one of the biggest in Europe.
Planned activity for the M.A.D. Fun Day includes bouncy castles, parachute games, face painting and an arduous forest challenge. Teachers and youth leaders are warned however to watch out for the occassional water fight which may or may not break out! Youthful mischief makers will get the chance to throw a wet sponge - perhaps to their local minister in the stocks!
The Fun Day is the culmination of fundraising efforts over the recent Sunday School year as many classes soon break up for summer. Nearly £85,000 was raised last year for children's work in Sumba, Africa. This year Sunday Schools up and down the country hope to exceed that target as they raise money for three projects in Central Europe; The Klicek Foundation, who are building a children's hospice in the Czech Republic; The Child Care Centre at Zilah, Romania as they extend premises; and Scripture Gift Mission (SGM), who will be distributing Bible leaflets amongst street children throughout the region.
Organising the mammoth event is Rev Ian McKee, the Sunday School Organiser based in Church House, Belfast. He comments:
"This is a fantastic day out for our Sunday School kids, many of whom work hard at their lessons throughout the year. It's an opportunity to let off a bit of steam while raising money for these important works in needy parts of Central Europe."
Issued by Martin McNeely, Presbyterian Information Services. Info@PresbyterianIreland.org
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