County Derry businessman swaps boardroom for eighth South Africa charity build

White Star Consultants Managing Director Cathal McOscar who also operates Cathal McOscar Sorts Photography calls on the local community to support his eighth Mellon Educate Building Blitz.

Local businessman Cathal McOscar is preparing to swap the boardroom for the building site once again as he travels to South Africa on 6th November for his eighth Mellon Educate Building Blitz.

The Managing Director of White Star Consultants will exchange meetings for work boots and building tools, volunteering his time, expertise and energy to help construct and improve schools for children in communities in need.

For Cathal, it is about much more than bricks and mortar. Every classroom built creates a place where children can learn with dignity, realise their potential and begin building a brighter future.

Over eight Building Blitzes, Cathal has experienced first-hand the lasting difference these projects can make not only to pupils, but also to their families and wider communities.

“Taking part in the Building Blitz has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my life,” Cathal said.

“There is something incredibly powerful about people coming together, working long hours and knowing that what they build will benefit children for many years. I have seen the difference these schools can make, and that is what keeps bringing me back.”

The work is physically demanding, but Cathal continues to return with the same determination: to use his skills to create something lasting for others.

His journey is also a reminder that generosity is not measured only in money. It can be found in time freely given, miles travelled, sleeves rolled up and experience put to work for people thousands of miles away.

Cathal has now launched a GoFundMe campaign and is asking individuals, families and businesses across the local community to support his eighth Building Blitz.

Every donation, regardless of size, will support Mellon Educate’s work and help create better educational opportunities for children in South Africa.

“Every person who donates or shares the page becomes part of this journey and part of what we leave behind,” Cathal added.

“If donating is not possible, simply sharing the appeal with family, friends or colleagues would mean a great deal.”

On the 6th of November, Cathal will once again travel thousands of miles to help raise walls that will stand long after the volunteers return home.

Before the building begins, however, he is asking the local community to help lay its most important foundation: support.

Donate or share Cathal’s official GoFundMe appeal:https://www.gofundme.com/f/my-8th-building-blitz-with-mellon-educate

Every donation builds support. Every share extends the journey. Together, they can help build a lasting legacy.