Student helps provide opportunity of a lifetime through Lourdes pilgrimage
A Glasgow Caledonian University student is helping lead a group of young people to Lourdes this Easter.
Final year Human Nutrition and Dietetics student Hollie Smith has teamed up with other volunteers from Hosanna House and Children's Pilgrimage Trust (HCPT) to provide the holiday of a lifetime to a group of disabled and disadvantaged 12-18 year olds.
We sat down with Hollie to hear about everything from the organisation of the trip to her fundraising efforts:
Opportunity
“When I was in sixth year at high school, I worked at a summer play scheme for kids with additional support needs. I got to know the family of one of the boys I looked after and found out his big sister went on a trip to Lourdes through HCPT. I had always wanted to go and decided to volunteer with them as a result.
“HCPT are a registered catholic charity and take more than a thousand young people from across the UK to Lourdes every Easter and Summer. I got involved with their Glasgow and Oban group, also known as Group 43. It has been the perfect way for me to combine religion with my passion for helping others.”
“I’ve been involved since 2017 and the first year I went to Lourdes was 2018. I didn’t manage to go the following year because of exams and then obviously the pandemic hit. There was talk of us going in 2021 but the trip was cancelled. I then helped arrange a boxing fundraiser for 2022 and raised £1000, but again we were unable to go.
Selection process
“Everything is looking much more positive this year. Numbers wise, we have more helpers than children because it can be quite demanding with the children having different individual needs. This year, Group 43 are taking ten helpers for the six children that have been selected.
“HCPT basically works with schools to identify young people who would benefit from the trips we offer. It might be that they have a disability or social need that can lead to them being isolated – our job is to basically give them that space where they can be themselves.
“We also always have a ‘family day’ leading up to us going away where the kids involved come along and meet everyone going on the trip. We try to make them feel comfortable around us because a lot of them have never been to another country or away from their parents before.
“It’s really good to see these children and young people leave their shyness behind and join in with all the fun when we are away. They usually end up louder than us by the end of the week! These are the ‘mini miracles’ we look for on these trips.
Lourdes
“We fly to Lourdes on the 9th of April and will be away for a week in total. There is a Mass every day, which is just a really happy event with lots of dancing – it’s quite different to what we are all used to! There’s a particularly big Mass on the Thursday where different groups from all over the world are involved. It’s held in an underground cathedral and involves lots of singing and socialising. It’s great for the kids because they get the chance to mix with other children.
“As well as Mass, we’ll get the chance to see some of the local scenery. We’ll be going on a trip up the mountains and get the opportunity ride donkeys and horses.
“We also get the chance to spend time at HCPT’s Hosanna House, which has an animal farm and big area for playing. The children can also take part in things like arts and crafts as well.
Making a positive impact
“We’ve previously had texts from the parents after the trips basically telling us that they have a new child – that’s the impact the whole experience can have.
“The children can come from difficult backgrounds and might live in a small house with a big family. They might not get time to themselves and could be having difficulties at school. When they come away with us, they get their own beds and long lies. If they don’t want to take part in a particular activity then they don’t need to - it’s entirely up to them. The most important thing is that the whole trip is free and accessible to them.
“Another benefit is that all the children come away as friends. In Lourdes, they aren’t allowed their phone or anything like that. Two weeks after the trip we always have a reunion that gives them the chance to swap mobile numbers and let the families meet each other.
Fundraising
“It’s obviously expensive to organise a big trip like this, so Group 43 held a family quiz night in February at St Augustines Church Hall, Milton. I was the main organiser and we basically held it as a way of raising funds for the children.
“As well as the quiz, there was live music from Lucy Tay. We also had a raffle, auction and silent auction. Prizes included a £100 slaters voucher as well as a signed celtic top and stadium tour. There was about 80 to 90 people there and we raised over £1500, which was absolutely amazing!
“We will probably look at doing one more fundraiser before we go, but it’s really not long now. All the children and staff can’t wait to be in the airport for our flight- it can’t come quick enough!”
By Ross Clark
Got an SHLS or GSBS story? Email me at Ross.Clark@gcu.ac.uk or message me on Twitter