Supporting charities
The money, which will be split between several charities, has been raised through a series of events and initiatives, including the School Council’s annual Help Other People in Trouble (HOPiT) Fair at Bedales Prep, Dunhurst on 9 December.
Pupils are involved at every stage of the fundraising process, from choosing charities and giving informed pitches to the rest of the school in a bid for support, to making wares to sell and running stalls at the HOPiT Fair itself. This year’s event raised £4,144 for pupils’ chosen local, national and international charities.
Although the school’s usual fundraising efforts have been restricted by COVID-19 this year, smaller amounts have also been raised by events such as a Christmas Jumper Day, which raised £170 for Save the Children and the Royal Horticultural Society’s Big Soup Share in November, which raised £50 for homelessness charity Shelter.
At Bedales Pre-prep, Dunannie, children have also been involved in fundraising initiatives, including Children in Need, when pupils came to school dressed up as the person they want to be when they grow up and enjoyed a disco in the playground, raising £114. The Dunannie Eco Committee also sponsor an endangered animal every year and this year raised £206 for Cinta the tiger by selling Lily of the Valley bulbs.
Pupils have also collected non-financial donations for charities, including filling shoeboxes with food for Petersfield Food Bank for Harvest Festival and collecting gifts for the Salvation Army Christmas Present Appeal.
Students at Bedales Senior School came together creatively at the end of term to record some Christmas songs and carols for the first Fitzroy charity virtual carol concert which was livestreamed on 17 December and can be viewed here. Students and staff also contributed gifts for partner school Trosnant who distribute presents in Havant at Christmas time.
Head of Dunhurst Colin Baty said: “Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, the community at Dunhurst has been fantastic in supporting a number of charities this year. We are always keen to raise awareness among Dunhurstians about other people less fortunate, and ensure that they understand that giving doesn’t always have to be about money, but your time and kindness too.”
Deputy Head of Dunannie Sharon Rose added: “Children and staff have worked together to raise money and donations for some worthwhile causes. The children are learning an important lesson in the joy of giving and helping others and I am delighted we have been able to support some great charities.”