Cakes for good causes at children’s cafe fundraiser

Children and their parents in Newcastle came together to enjoy books and refreshments – all while raising money for a deserving cause.

Pupils of all ages at St Cuthbert’s Catholic Primary School in North Kenton and St George’s Catholic Primary School in Newcastle took part in a series of Reading Cafes to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support.

“We were running our Macmillan Coffee Morning Fundraiser alongside our Reading Cafes this year,” explained Anne Bullerwell, Executive Headteacher at the two schools, which are both members of the Bishop Bewick Catholic Education Trust. “This was so each class from Year 1 to Year 6 could be involved, rather than just Year 6, which we have done historically.”

As well as tea, coffee, fruit juice and water, the children and their accompanying parents and carers were able to purchase a selection of muffins and biscuits which had been specially made by the schools’ cooks.

While the event is a regular fixture in the calendar at St Cuthbert’s, it was only the second time that it had taken place at St George’s. 

Held across three consecutive days, the Reading Cafes each began with a story read by a member of staff at the school, before the children had the opportunity to choose their own books to share with the visitors. There were also reading activities to enjoy, prayer cards for families to complete and add to a Tree of Prayer, and a stall selling ‘pre-loved’ school uniform.

Years 1 and 2 attended the fundraiser on Tuesday 24 September, while Years 3 and 4 took their turn on Wednesday 25, and Years 5 and 6 on Thursday 26.

“This is such an important fundraising event,” said Mrs Bullerwell. “So many of our lives have been touched by cancer, and we know the many challenges and heartbreaks that it brings to families.

“We normally raise between £200 to £300, but are hoping to have raised more this year, because we did three mornings instead of one.”

“Macmillan have offered invaluable support, which has benefitted so many of our staff and families,” she added. “It is so important that support like this is available to everyone that needs it, and that it is well-funded.”