Pupils at St Lawrence College Junior School in Ramsgate have celebrated Making a Difference Day (MAD day).
Youngsters took part in a range of activities from learning about animals to raising money for those affected by the floods in Pakistan to visiting Ramsgate Fire Station and holding a cake sale.
Head of Junior School Ellen Rowe said: “The children have had a fantastic Making a Difference (MAD) charity day, delivering treats to the wonderful fire fighters at Ramsgate fire station, donating pet food to TAG to help feed those animals in need, enjoying a ‘cake-walk’ and activities to raise funds for the Red Cross, who are doing such vital work in Pakistan helping those devastated by the recent flooding.
“We run our MAD day every year to harness the power of our generous community to help others and to build life skills of empathy, kindness and service in the children at our school.”
Year 3 and 4 learned about Guide Dogs and TAG pet rescue. At TAG, their mission is to care for and re-home as many animals as they can. They don’t receive government funding but rely on donations, income from their shops and the tireless work of volunteers to keep their centres going.
The school asked Year 3 and 4 families to bring in some dog or cat food or non-perishable items which were then dropped off directly at the local TAG shop.
Year 5 created a ‘fun fair’ in the school hall to raise money for the Red Cross to support those in need in Pakistan. Record-breaking floods have hit Pakistan affecting over 33 million people. Many have left their homes with little or no belongings, more than 1,400 people have been killed. As well as the fair, year 5 also held a bake sale to raise additional funds.
Year 6 visited Ramsgate Fire Station to thank them for the work they do. As an extra token of thanks, Year 6 took a small hamper of treats for the staff at the station.
The Pre-Prep children also held a cake sale and took part in a Cake Walk to raise money to support victims of the Pakistan flooding.
Mrs Rowe added: “Overall, it was a fantastic day that has not just raised money but also helped to develop pupils’ sense of empathy and awareness. By focusing on more than one initiative and educating pupils around these fundraising events on the importance of altruism, we want to pupils them with a lasting sense of purpose that they will take with them throughout their school life and into adulthood.”
