Park Celtic would like to wish the very best of luck to club legend John Thompson and senior team manager Robert “Bertie” Whelan, who are heading to Cape Town for ten days to take part in the 2026 Mellon Educate Building Blitz.

It’s a return trip for Robert, who travels with his 17-year-old son Matthew for their second year on the tools. Last November they spent a week in the Lwandle township outside Cape Town, where Mellon Educate has been working for around ten years. In just seven days, the team put up three buildings containing six classrooms, along with a playground and a garden, giving more children the chance to go to school.

The work doesn’t stop at bricks and mortar. A big part of the fundraising goes towards computers, equipment and the resources that turn four walls into a classroom where a child learns. That’s the part that lasts long after the volunteers fly home.

Park Celtic is proud to have supported Mellon Educate over the last few years, and we’re delighted to get behind the cause again this year. Rockwell Financial Management will match every donation, so for every €1 you give, €2 goes to the charity. The lads will do the heavy lifting, all they need from us is support.

You can donate here through the GoFundMe. 

Amazing commitment from the two lads. Everyone at Park Celtic is behind you. Safe travels!