One small packet of kindness can make a BIG difference
A North East Primary school is working to help keep homeless people warm this winter by supporting a recycling initiative that sees empty crisp packets turned into survival blankets. Pupils from Walbottle Village Primary School, in Newcastle, are showing their support for the ‘Iron Man’ by putting their empty crisp packets to good use.
Iron Man
Walbottle Village pupils Amelia and Emily Wright, with the support of their parents, have been collecting their empty crisp packets since 2020 after hearing Mr. Miley Porritt’s story of turning empty crisp packets into survival blankets for the homeless. Mr Porritt, is a formerly homeless man who had been rough sleeping for five years before beginning his lockdown ironing business.
Mr. Porritt understands first-hand how difficult it can be to stay dry and warm on the streets. And as the foil from crisp packets helps to reflect a person’s body heat back onto them, hence keeping them warm for longer, crisp packet liners seemed to make the perfect solution.
“Our Mum told us about Iron Man Survival Blankets and how Mr. Porritt asked people to collect their empty crisp packets and send them to him so he could iron them together and make blankets to help the homeless stay warm and dry over the winter.”
Recycle for a cause
The family started collecting empty packets and, in 2021, asked Walbottle Village to join them on their mission to collect even more. And collect even more they did!
“Last year with school and family, we collected over 300 crisp packets, which is amazing, and we’re hoping to collect even more this year. This is a lovely idea and gets everyone thinking about the brilliant things we can do with our rubbish, and most importantly, it’s a great way to get everyone involved in giving something back in such a small way.”
Making a Difference
It takes around 150 crisp packets to make just one liner! Rather than these packets going into landfill (it can take up to 80 years for one crisp packet to decompose), Mr. Porritt is now supporting homeless shelters across the UK due to the ongoing support and donations of hundreds of crisp packets from people all over.
“This is a great initiative and something as a family we have enjoyed doing, and it’s great to bring it to Walbottle Village and see so many classmates, friends, and families bringing in empty crisp packets, too, to help make something so useful out of rubbish!”
“We have a very colourful and crisp packet decorated box in the school hall, where everyone can put their empty crisp packets at lunchtime. We help to empty the box at home, washing them and packing them up ready to be sent off to Iron Man, and we’re hoping to beat last year’s target…. we want to hit 600 crisp packets, but we’ll have to wait and see!”
Head Teacher at Walbottle Village Primary, Alison Oliver, commented:
“As a school community, we are delighted to be able to support this brilliant charity once again. Our children and their families have supported the homeless over the years through a range of initiatives (for example ‘Making Winter Warmer’ and ‘The People’s Kitchen). We thank the Wright family for inspiring us to make a real difference. One small packet of kindness truly can make a big difference!”
Chris Zarraga, Director of Schools North East said:
“It is wonderful to see schools helping the most vulnerable over the winter with projects such as this one. Over the last few years The North East has been hit particularly hard by the pandemic and now the cost of living crisis. Well done to Walbottle for their kindness and generosity.”
Walbottle Village Primary School is a Schools North East Partner School. If you’d like to find out more about our Partner School Programme click here: https://schoolsnortheast.org/partner-school/
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