Students organise huge collection for food bank at Christmas

Pupils at St Aidan’s RC Primary School in Ashington have collected hundreds of tins of food and items of dried goods for a food bank in the run-up to Christmas.

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The huge collection was donated this morning to Wansbeck Valley Foodbank to support families over Christmas. It was organised by around 25 pupils who volunteered to be ‘Mini Vinnies’ - the junior branch of the St Vincent De Paul Society, which is dedicated to tackling poverty.

The group focuses on a different charitable cause each term and in the run up to Christmas, parents were asked to make a donation each week on ‘Canny Fridays’.

The fantastic response led to nearly 400 cans and 40 packets of pasta being collected, along with items such as Christmas selection boxes and toiletries. 

Michael Moran, acting headteacher of St Aidan’s RC Primary School, which is soon to be part of Bishop Bewick Catholic Education Trust, said it was important for the children to recognise their responsibility to the wider community.

He said: “Collecting for an appeal that is local, really helps them see the impact of their actions. 

“At Christmas, especially after the two years we've had with the pandemic, there are many families in need and the children wanted to do their bit and support any one who needed it. 

“I'm very proud that, given all of the choices, they opted to help local people who may be in need.”

He added: “The parents continue to amaze us with their generosity.”