Inspirational fundraisers
Can’t decide whether to climb a mountain, cycle down through the African continent or quiz a room full of people? Then look no further.
Here are just a few examples of what you, our fantastic fundraisers, have done to raise money to help Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) save lives.
How you can raise money for MSF
Books
‘The Eagle, the Tiger and Covid – Imaging God recalling Ireland’ is a book by Carl Bradley and Fr Neal Carlin, who founded the Columba Community and together established St Anthony’s Retreat Centre near Bridgend, Whiteoaks Rehabilitation Centre, the IOSAS Centre organic gardens and the Celtic Prayer Garden near Muff/Ballyarnett.
It tells a story of a seventy-eight-year-old retired journalist on a personal journey. Sean’s search brings him to an Indian reservation in South Dakota, USA. It is a journey that allows him time to relax and see new things. He gets to reflect on a life well led, but with something more to happen.
We are so grateful that Fr Neal has chosen to donate the sales from his book to Médecins Sans Frontières.
Art
Kinvara-based artist Anne Korff raised money for MSF with the publication of her book ROSES of HOPE – MEDITATIONS, containing six reproductions of her original artwork, in May 2021.
The book was created as a series of paintings during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020-21. Throughout this period of solitude and isolation, Anne wanted to share her artwork as a way of providing support, inspiration, and nourishment for the soul. Each painting is a meditation using energy, colour and shape to bring hope and solace.
Cycling
The incredible undertaking for Médecins Sans Frontières continues.
In the summer of 2015, three friends cycled 7,500 kilometres across Canada from St. John's, Newfoundland to Vancouver to raise money for both MSF and Cycle against Suicide.
Paul O'Sullivan (from Skibbereen, Co Cork, former Irish and Cal Bears oarsman), Kev Keane (from Dublin, GAA, Gentle Giant Alumni, adventure athlete and Iron Man), Seamus Hussey (from Tullamore, Co Offaly, former rower, Gentle Giant Alumni and adventure athlete).
Paul, Kev and Seamus funded the trip themselves and all the donations went directly to their chosen charities.
Cycle down through Africa
From September 2013 to April 2014, Kyle, Isidro, Niamh and Sadhbh cycled from Cairo to Cape Town, a distance of 12,000km through thirteen countries. This was an independent venture, with the hope of raising money for two charities; Médecins Sans Frontières and Room to Read (a charity which promotes literacy and access to books in developing contexts).
Christmas Swimming
The brave & hardy Friends of MSF society at University College Cork kicked off our 2013 events calendar with a fundraising dip in the Atlantic on Women's Little Christmas (6th Jan).
Running for MSF
On Sunday the 11th of November, 2013 Bob Jefferson stepped up to the starting line of The Great Railway Run in Cork. This charity running event featured 10K, 15K and 25K distance options accommodate as wide a range of participants as possible and took place along the route of the old railway line from Cork city to Carrigaline.
Mountain climbing
In 2011, Limerick-based mountain climber Mark Quinn became the youngest Irish person to successfully reach the summit of Mount Everest.
Last year, he aimed to be the first Irish person to reach the summits of Gasherbrum I and II, also known as K4 and K5.
We're delighted that Mark has chosen to raise funds through his expedition for Médecins Sans Frontières, and for Headstrong the Youth Mental Health Charity.
Table quiz
Third World Fund of Galway City Council held a table quiz and a raffle for our Philippines and Syria appeals. It raised a whopping €1840. Well done!
Kayak circumnavigation of Ireland
In 2019, Kevin completed a Circumnavigation around Ireland. Starting at Skerries on 19 June 2017, Kevin also finished this incredible adventure at Skerries on 14 December 2019. Kevin paddled for 50 days with 906 elapsed days. Kayaking an incredible 1650km, Kevin fulfilled a lifelong dream, and we are so happy MSF was chosen to be a part of this.