Cards for good causes at St John Vianney Primary

Caring youngsters at a Newcastle school showed true Christmas spirit when they raised money to support vulnerable and homeless people in the community.

The Year 6 pupils at St John Vianney Catholic Primary in West Denton set up a Christmas card shop, where they sold cards that had been donated by staff at the school, in aid of the People’s Kitchen.

“The shop was open from Monday 2 December until Wednesday 18 December,” said Year 6 Teacher and Faith in Action Leader Judith Brown, who organised the event.

“We encourage everyone to send just one card to the class, from Nursery to Reception – this includes staff. Our aim is to reduce the amount of cards and paper in school to help the environment.

“Cards cost 50p each, and our aim is to raise £130 to beat last year’s total.”

The People’s Kitchen was founded in 1984 and provides hot meals, clothing, toiletries, food, mobile phones, and sleeping bags for those living on the streets of Newcastle, supplying over 250 meals every day.

It was the third year running that the school, which is part of the Bishop Bewick Catholic Eduction Trust, had taken part in the festive fundraiser for the charity.

“It’s become part of the St John Vianney Christmas traditions, where we act like the inn keeper and give warmth and love to those who need it,” continued Mrs Black.

“The money raised will be used to support the People’s Kitchen this Christmas. We aim to halve the money raised. Half will be spent on hats, gloves, and socks as gifts for the Friends of the People’s Kitchen. 

“The second half will be used to support the People’s Kitchen ‘Feed a Friend for a Fiver’ Appeal, which helps the Kitchen provide a hot meal for the Friends on Christmas Day.

“This time of year can be difficult for the Friends of the People’s Kitchen, but a safe, warm place to meet and spend time with others and priceless.

“The children can understand how it feels to be cold, and recognise how much better you feel with a hot meal and warm, dry feet and hands.”

All 60 Year 6 children were also spreading Christmas cheer to the members of St John Vianney Church, with hand-made prayer cards which were delivered by Deputy Headteacher Claire Meldrum.

“Over the last two years, our Year 6 children have shared their faith with the parish through making and giving out Christmas prayer cards,” explained Mrs Black. “The children draw and paint a detailed nativity scene, and add a Christmas prayer on the back.

“The prayer cards will be available at the back of St John Vianney Church for all parishioners over the festive period, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day Mass.”

“The project is an important link between school and parish,” she added. “These initiatives, run by the children, are important to show the children that they can make a difference.”