Great Yarmouth Charter Academy Pupils Spread Festive Spirit by Record Food Collection

As the holidays approached, pupils of Great Yarmouth Charter Academy decided to spread the festive spirit of giving by collecting food items for The Trussell Trust. The aim was to ensure that no family in the area went without the necessities during the Christmas holidays. They did an incredible job!

Over the Autumn term, the school community came together to donate food items, with staff, families, and pupils all contributing. And the result? A staggering 948 items donated! This was the largest collection ever made for The Trussell Trust in the area.

But it wasn't just about the numbers. It was about the impact this collection had on the families who were in need. Over 200 families required the use of a foodbank over the Christmas holidays, and the collection made sure that they didn't miss out on cupboard essentials, sweet treats, and winter warmers.

What's even more heart-warming is that this collection wouldn't have been possible without the dedication and hard work of a group of young people who went above and beyond to ensure its success. Ethan Palmer, Daisy Hills, Isobel Tann, Poppy Henderson, and Angel Ship, were the pupils who collected the food from classrooms each week as part of the academies drive to improve access to volunteering, social action and making a difference in the local community. Their efforts were instrumental in making sure that the collection was a success.

Their dedication and commitment to the cause is truly inspiring. In a world where we often hear about the negative impact of social media and technology on young people, this collection is a shining example of young people making a difference in their community.

Their efforts didn't go unnoticed, either. Jen King at The Trussell Trust housed by the Minster Mission, Admiralty Road, Great Yarmouth had this to say about the collection:

"Thank you once again for this massive donation. We really were overwhelmed by how much you have managed to collect for us. We had it all weighed in yesterday and the total weight was 400.65kg. That's the largest single donation we have ever had!"

This collection is a reminder that the power of community and the kindness of strangers can make a real difference in people's lives. The students of Great Yarmouth Charter Academy have shown that when we come together for a common cause, we can achieve incredible things.

The school's organiser and Curriculum Leader for Philosophy and Religious Education, Mrs Larke said,

"I am incredibly proud of our young people for their commitment to making a difference in their community. Their efforts show that with hard work and determination, we can all contribute to creating a better world. We hope that this collection has inspired others to get involved in volunteering and social action."

So, to Ethan, Daisy, Isobel, Poppy, Angel, and all the other students who made this collection possible, thank you. Your dedication and hard work have shown us all that young people can make a real difference in the world. Keep up the great work!