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Mercy Sisters & Associates Collaborate with Local Organisations to Hold First Climate Fest in Mayo
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L-R: Laura Dixon (Climate Action Officer, Mayo County Council), Lukasz Kryzwon (Green-Schools Travel), Mary Doherty rsm (Western Province), Yvonne Horkan (Castlebar Parish), Margaret Tiernan rsm (Western Province), Mary Trench (Mercy Associates), Deaglain Ó Rian (GMIT Green Campus), Sharon Cameron (Environmental Awareness Officer, Mayo County Council). Absent: Mary Connell
Editor: On Saturday, 28 September, from 10am until 4pm, the first Mayo Climate Fest, a free event, will be held in GMIT Castlebar.
Mercy Sisters in the Western Province have been the driving force behind the Climate Fest in Mayo, addressing the Castlebar Parish Council, the Mayo County Council, Mercy Associates and others on the need for action to respond to the world’s climate emergency. This day of performances, workshops, speakers and conversation is the result of their initial efforts and the enthusiasm of the organisations collaborating with them to co-host the event and ensure the day will be a success. The value and importance of networking and collaboration was a learning from the Province's collaboration over a number of years with VITA. This has also led to the formation of the Lifestyle Choices Group in the Province.
According to the United Nations, 'Every human is part of the solution [to climate change] - from turning off the lights to taking public transport, to organizing an awareness raising campaign in your community'.
The wide ranging programme at Climate Fest Mayo will celebrate the beauty of the planet and showcase ways to change lifestyles. The Workshop topics such as 'Sustainable Fashion', 'Tips for Sorting, Recycling and Reducing Food Waste in the Home', Energy Hacks for the Home' and 'Becoming an Eco community/Eco Parish' have appeal for different age groups and interests. Guest speakers at the day include environmentalist Saoirse McHugh (Green Party candidate in the recent EU elections), Jane Mellet (Trocaire's Laudato Si' Officer), John Weaklim (CEO Irish NGO VITA), Laura Dixon, (Climate Action Officer, Mayo County Council), Martina Kilian (Green Campus Officer GMIT Castlebar), Theo and Maude Cullen-Mouze (Student Climate Strikers). Local environmental groups, schools and businesses committed to reducing their impact on the planet will be present with displays and stands. All churches have been invited to be part of the day and to learn to sing John Rutter's, 'For the Beauty of the Earth'.
This awareness raising campaign models what is possible when like-minded people and organisations come together for a common cause.
Messages to: Mary Doherty rsm and Margaret Tiernan rsm
Lifestyle Choices Group - Vita, Western Province
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