Rathkenny Parent & Toddler Group

meets
every Thursday morning
from 10am - 12 noon (Sept-June)
in
Rathkenny Community Hall.

Contact: Kathy Fox 041 9884084 (evenings)

Photo Gallery 2005-2006

Upcoming Events

Recent Events

 We would like to wish all the best to the children that have left for playschool and school and we look forward to welcoming our new members!

Little feet took on a BIG feat in the DANONE BIG TODDLE FOR BARNARDOS. Toddlers from the Parent and Toddler Group in Rathkenny did their own sponsored Danone Big Toddle for Barnardos on Thursday 8th June in the glorious sunshine. The toddlers and the families and friends were raising money for Barnardos - Ireland's biggest children's charity - and its work with other babies and toddlers. " In this our third event, we have thousands of toddlers ready to go. In the past two years toddlers have raised over €400,000 for Barnardos and we are looking forward to another successful year this time around. We are so grateful to everyone at Rathkenny Parent and Toddler Group for taking on this challenge" said Helen McVeigh, Event Manager.

Our toddlers will make a real difference for other toddlers using Barnardos' Best Start programmes across Ireland! The funds we raise will provide family counselling, parenting skills, breakfast clubs, toy libraries and will help vulnerable youngsters prepare for school. Last year we held our toddle at Rathkenny G.F.C. grounds in May, and all our toddlers and babies took part. We raised over €700 and hope to raise more this year for this very worthy cause!

How the Group has developed

Rathkenny Parent and Toddler group was set up in the summer of 2004. Kathy Fox decided to gather a group of people from the parish together and it took off from there. A Summer Camp was organised (Summer 2004) for the toddlers and older siblings, which was a huge success!

The first meeting took place in September 2004. Sponsorship was gathered from local businesses and toys and necessities for the group were bought. At Christmas 2004, the parents went on a night out to Carlitos, after a hectic morning when Santa had arrived and delighted the children. At the end of the first year, a night at the dog racing in Dundalk for the parents, was just reward for them.

Then the second year of the group started and a Table Quiz was held in the Sally Gardens, which raised funds for more equipment for the children. Santa arrived this Christmas also and parents had a great night out too!

The Parent and Toddler Group is a great way for children to mix with other children, and for parents to meet others from the parish. The children get to play, sing and dance and . . . everyone cleans up! The group meets every Thursday morning from 10am - 12 noon and both children and parents/minders enjoy it. Everyone is welcome. So, come along, have a cuppa and a chat, and let the kids have a great time!