Hamper Fund
CUS Hamper Fund – Giving with Purpose
Supporting Families in Need Through Generosity, Community, and Compassion
The CUS Hamper Fund is the largest and most cherished annual fundraising initiative at Catholic University School, run in aid of St Vincent de Paul (SVP). Through a series of creative and compassionate events, CUS students raise funds, collect goods, and prepare food hampers that are distributed to families in need across Dublin each Christmas.
This student-led campaign is a true community effort. Transition Year (TY) students play a central role, spearheading the fundraising and logistics behind the hampers. One of the most popular events is the Halloween Bake Sale, where TYs bake and sell goods, host a raffle, and run a non-uniform day to gather funds. These efforts raised an impressive €5,785.60, showcasing the dedication and generosity of the student body. Prizes like a signed Dublin jersey and a Fitbit smartwatch helped make the raffle a major success.
Throughout December, fundraising continues. The CUS Choir hits Grafton Street to busk for donations, while TY students sell donated donuts, raising an additional €1,000. At the same time, class-head groups across the school work together to gather the contents of the hampers. Each class receives a list of required items, decides how many hampers they want to make, and collaborates to collect the necessary goods.
A long-standing CUS tradition is the 6th Year 24-Hour Fast, held each December. 6th Years went without food for a full day while taking turns collecting donations on Grafton Street—demonstrating incredible commitment to the cause.
The support doesn’t stop with current students. The Past Pupils’ Union also contributes generously, donating over €4,500 to the fund.
In total, Hamper Fund raised an outstanding €25,000, allowing over 220 hampers to be delivered to local families. This achievement reflects the collective effort of TYs, 6th Years, class-head groups, teachers, parents, and past pupils alike.
A special thank you goes to Mr. Daly, whose tireless work behind the scenes ensures the success of this enormous operation year after year. The CUS Hamper Fund is more than just a fundraiser—it’s a testament to the compassion, initiative, and community spirit that define CUS.
