Thornbury Primary Leadership Academy pupils spread winter warmth to local community

As the winter nights draw in and the temperatures plummet, pupils from Thornbury Primary Leadership Academy are spreading seasonal cheer throughout their community by supporting local people through its Winter Gift Programme.

At Thornbury Primary Leadership Academy, we pride ourselves on making a positive difference to society. We are committed to playing an active role in our community and helping others. This winter, we are stepping up our efforts to support the most vulnerable people in our community.

The Winter Gift Programme is an annual campaign which sees pupils and staff from every Star Academies school unite to participate in a broad range of charitable giving, acts of kindness and volunteering; all with one simple aim – to make sure no one faces the challenges of winter alone.

Throughout the campaign, we will be supporting those in our local community – young and old – who are unwell, elderly or living in care, and those experiencing homelessness, loneliness or food poverty. As well as benefitting vulnerable people, our pupils will also gain from their involvement by expanding their leadership qualities – by devising, organising and taking part in charitable endeavours – and experiencing first-hand the positive impact of helping those less fortunate.

Our pupils have been raising funds to support the creation of gift hampers through a variety of fun activities in school. The schools’ youngest pupils in reception have been treated to a special winter themed day including enjoying reindeer footprints and a chocolate fountain. Older pupils have participated in making ornaments for sale, cake and sweet cone sales, a crazy hair day and a wet sponge activity. All the donations received will be used to spread kindness and joy by making hampers to be distributed to Mill Lodge Care Centre, Bradford Royal infirmary’s toy appeal and the Salvation Army’s Shoe Box Appeal.

Clare Daddy, Principal at Thornbury Primary Leadership Academy, said:

“Our Winter Gift Programme not only supports the most vulnerable members of our community, but affords our pupils the opportunity to develop their leadership skills and to experience the personal satisfaction that comes from demonstrating kindness and helping those less fortunate. It gives me an enormous sense of pride to see our pupils, parents and colleagues embrace this invaluable campaign with such incredible compassion and generosity.”