Rotary Interact Club Spread Festive Cheer Before Christmas 2025

Wallace High School, Lisburn, was filled with festive spirit thanks to the energy, creativity and generosity of its Rotary Interact Club. The pupil-led group enjoyed an exceptionally busy run-up to Christmas, organising a series of seasonal activities that brought joy to students and staff alike while raising vital funds for charitable causes close to their hearts.

Seasonal Events

One of the most visible successes was the Rotary Interact candy cane campaign. Members sold candy canes at break time in the Link, quickly turning a simple festive treat into a school-wide highlight. Building on this success, the club also organised candy cane deliveries during pastoral periods, ensuring that festive cheer reached every corner of the school community. These deliveries were made all the more memorable by surprise musical visits from Santa and his singing elves, whose performances were met with smiles, laughter and enthusiastic applause.

Another standout event was the newly revamped festive lunch, which proved to be a major highlight of the season. Rotary Interact members took on full responsibility for planning and delivering the event, demonstrating impressive leadership and teamwork skills throughout. From decorating the hall to create a warm and celebratory atmosphere, to designing and running a series of innovative games, the pupils showed remarkable organisation and creativity. The success of the lunch was a clear reflection of the Rotary motto, “service above self,” which the Wallace pupils embodied in every detail of the event.

Staff Reflections

The commitment and enthusiasm shown by the students did not go unnoticed. Teachers Julie Dumigan and Gillian Weir, who support the Rotary Interact Club, expressed immense pride in the group and their achievements.

“Our weekly meetings are incredibly pupil centred and it is gratifying to see their creativity and altruism come to fruition,” they said. “They truly follow in the footsteps of our school founder, Sir Richard Wallace, in their determination to make a positive difference in society.”

Charities

At the heart of all these activities is a strong sense of purpose and compassion. This year, the Rotary Interact Club has chosen to support two charities that are particularly meaningful to its members. Locally, the club is fundraising for Paws and People, an organisation dedicated to animal wellbeing. Internationally, the students continue their long-standing support of The Hiding Place, an orphanage in Albania that provides care, education and hope to vulnerable children.

Student Leadership

Chair of Rotary Interact, Alexa, highlighted both the impact of the fundraising efforts and the sense of community spirit that has grown within the group.

“Our chosen charities this year are close to our hearts. We’ve thoroughly enjoyed working together over the past few months and are overwhelmed with the generosity of the school community.”

Success

The Wallace High School Rotary Interact Club can reflect with pride on a festive period marked by service, teamwork and joy. Their efforts have not only raised funds for worthy causes but have also strengthened the sense of community within the school, leaving a lasting impression on all who took part.

The Rotarians are already busy planning fundraising and educational activities for the term ahead, showing altruism and leadership in every sense.

You can keep up to date with our Rotary Interact Club via http://www.instagram.com/wallacehighlisburn