Caring school’s massive charity boost

Reporter: Catherine Smyth
Date online: 21 July 2010

CHARITY champions from Haslingden High School raised a more than £2,000 in a single day of hectic fund-raising. The school dedicated a day to raising money for good causes and the 19 beneficiaries included: Cancer Research UK, Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary, Rossendale Hospice and other local, national and international charities. 

Philip Taylor, 11, devised a clever quiz on a series of subjects to win Thorntons Chocolate hampers donated by his mum.
He said: “Some people thought the questions were too tough but I had fun devising the quiz. I was pleased to raise money for the RSPCA.”
Rossendale Hospice benefited from the efforts of three 14-year-old cyclists Matt Hoyle, Declan King and Tom Brown. 

Matt explained: “We carried out a cycle ride between Manchester and Blackpool on a static bike that was placed outside school, but fortunately under a cover.
“I did 53 miles and Declan and Tom did 26 miles each.”
All students in the school were involved in the day and they devised their own ways of raising money. An Asian food stall raised £160 for Islamic Relief and students even the chance to soak Miss or Sir in the stocks. Assistant Headteacher Elaine Edyvean said: “This is the eighth time the school has held an annual charity day and the students organise the whole event. 

“We were very grateful to parents for their help and support as they provided a lot of the prizes on the day.
“As a school we adopted a boy in India when Charity Day started and we use some of the money we raise on the day to support him.
“Before the day, we have a special assembly where we discuss the difference the students’ charitable donations make in India. His village now has a water pump thanks to Haslingden High School students. It makes them think about what we take for granted.”  Besides raising money, students also visit the local charities like the RSPCA re-homing centre and Bleakholt Sanctuary to present the money and see how it is being spent. They also plan to adopt some dogs at the sanctuary in Turn Village.
The final event was a leg waxing of six male staff by parent Justine Robinson.