Help for Haiti

Story: Laura Moya Photos: St Catherine’s

News of the January earthquake in Haiti has led to a multitude of fundraising events to support the victims of the quake in their efforts to rebuild their lives.

Many local schools got actively involved in fundraising; and not only the children! Pupils at St. Catherine’s Primary dedicated a whole day to fundraising and each year group held different activities. Key Stage 1 children enjoyed facepainting whilst Year 5 made a copper trail and tried their hands at circus skills, like juggling. The Year 4 pupils sweated it out in an aerobics class and Year 3 played bingo. Their efforts raised an impressive £514.

Meanwhile, Firs Hill Primary School saw everyone getting involved: parents hosted a table top sale selling things such as toys, games, clothing and books whilst the children held a tombola prize draw. The school collectively raised about £322.

Students at Parkwood Academy were lucky enough to meet boxing professional Brendan Ingle. Students paid 50p to have a go at “sparring” with one of his boxers, an event which proved very successful. Another group of students went around school with a bucket collecting loose change and one student, John Rwothomach, even held his own sponsored run, raising £79 towards the fund.

Fundraising is also encouraged through the “Shelterbox Appeal”, an organisation that provides essential aid such as tents in response to disasters. Parkwood has a biscuit tin for staff to donate a small amount of money which goes towards whichever appeal they are helping at the time. £55 from this contributed to a total of £490 raised at the school.

Whiteways Primary raised £535 through a series of activities over a week, including a toy sale and sweet stalls during their breaks and play times. Staff at reception organised their own collection too.

Organiser Usha Blackham said

“We all felt terrible to see people in Haiti suffering and children, parents, school staff and visitors gave generously.”

You can still donate money to the Disasters Emergency Committee, one of the main organisations that has been helping earthquake victims, by visiting their website at http://www.dec.org.uk.