Fundraising Events in St Catherine’s College

St Catherine’s College is always very aware of the importance of ‘Community’ and ‘Social Awareness,’ two of their school’s Sacred Heart Goals. Supporting charities who help those most in need in local communities is very important to them and their students, who are encouraged to see the value in giving to others and the importance of recognising when others may need support.

This term, they are exceptionally proud of the wonderful response from their students, staff and wider school community, including parents and guardians.

The school supports St Vincent de Paul in doing such valuable work in the community, supporting those living in poverty, dealing with crises or in need of support. Every year the St Catherine’s College community donates in various ways to this local charity in the knowledge that their contribution goes a long way to helping those who need it most. They were delighted to welcome Malachi Cush to their school to accept a cheque for a staggering £4,500, the culmination of various fundraising activities throughout December, including: hamper raffles, Christmas Jumper Days and the annual Stage Stars raffle.

Malachi Cush is pictured with some St. Catherine’s College students and staff (Mrs Carina McGready, Head of Music and Choir Director; Miss Kayleigh O’Neill, Kings Trust teacher, Miss Danielle McKee, Stage Stars tutor and Mrs Fiona Caldwell, Director of Chaplaincy Services), who were involved in the various fundraising events, along with school principal, Mrs Tiffney.

In addition to the £4,500 contribution, some of the money raised was used to create packs for the homeless, each one consisting of a new coat, sleeping bag and a thermal hat and gloves set. This initiative was co-ordinated by Sixth Form pupils involved with the Youth Alpha programme. Further pamper hampers, sweet hampers and vouchers were purchased to be donated to people in need in the community.

In October, which is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, students bought the iconic pink ribbons to support breast cancer and opted to donate the money raised to a local charity, ‘Pretty in Pink’. Two of the charity’s representatives, Judith and Karen visited the school and were delighted to accept a donation of £1000 to their charity. Additionally, they delivered an insightful talk to Sixth Form students about the work of the charity and important advice on raising awareness and being vigilant about breast checks and health.

The annual food bank appeal, co-ordinated by school chaplain, Mrs Fiona Caldwell and the Sixth Form Ethos Team, always draws huge support from St. Catherine’s students, with every single student contributing at least one item. This year, the response exceeded all expectations, with over 2000 items donated by students to the Foodbank appeal.