By organising an innovative event, Year Nine pupils combined two ways of helping the charity. They added a creative twist to the traditional Own Clothes Day by giving students two options: bring in old clothes to donate to ellenor’s charity shops or donate £1. They called their fundraiser "Old Clothes for Own Clothes."
Helen Rooke, the year group's Pastoral Manager, praised the students’ efforts: “It takes pupils a while to organize something like this – going to the school council for approval, thinking about how to promote it, and including it in the school calendar. Year Nine is a great year group; really lovely, thoughtful, and kind, and they look out for one another.
“Money is tight for everyone at the moment. You might think that £1 is not a lot of money, but for some families that’s a pint of milk. Most children have clothes they have grown out of, and their families are more than happy to donate them to ellenor and help other families in need.
“ellenor is always one of the charities we want to support here. Many of our students have received support from ellenor, either for themselves or family members. It’s a great local charity.”
Head of Year, Mr. Michael Murray, praised the exceptional dedication and teamwork of the Year Nine cohort. “Year Nine has truly outdone themselves with this project," he said. "Their enthusiasm and commitment to supporting ellenor have been remarkable. This initiative, which they championed from concept to execution, has not only been a tremendous success but also a testament to their creativity, compassion, and community spirit. I am incredibly proud of what they have achieved and look forward to seeing more of their inspiring efforts in the future.”
Pupils and staff at St John’s know that ellenor provides important palliative care to adults and children in Dartford, Gravesend and Swanley and to children only across the London Borough of Bexley. The much-loved local charity supports patients, families, carers and children, providing end-of-life care and care in the community, and through its Wellbeing Services. In fact, the charity is putting even greater emphasis on Wellbeing by building a brand-new centre which will include improved facilities for counselling, complementary therapy and other activities, and a play area for children.
ellenor has ten charity shops and plans to open three more each year for the next three years. Donations like those received from the pupils at St John’s School are an important way of raising money.
Tina Dyson, Community Fundraising Officer at ellenor, expressed her gratitude for the school's efforts: “We are incredibly thankful to the pupils and staff at St John’s Catholic Comprehensive
