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There is no sweeter feeling than supporting a charitable cause and seeing your efforts make a real difference to the community.

That was the case for the caring children of St Columba’s in Wallsend, after they were able to see the results of their charity fundraising close-up when a new ambulance – courtesy of their fundraising efforts –  visited their school’s playground.

The positive pupils had sponsored the vehicle for Daft as a Brush Cancer Patient Care, raising an impressive £275 through various fundraising activities. How thoughtful!

Daft as a Brush Cancer Patient Care provides free transport to and from hospital for cancer patients in the Newcastle area.

Continuing to build connections with Daft as a Brush

The sponsorship also saw a selection of the children’s colourful artwork featured on the sides of the ambulance, making it instantly recognisable and very personal to them.

Rachel Quinn, Head of School, said:  “Our Mini Vinnie pupil charity group within the school worked throughout the year to raise money for Daft as a Brush. They were then able to sponsor a new patient ambulance.

“We have had links with Daft as a Brush for a number of years through our parish priest, Fr David Smith, who is a patron of the charity and has helped us build connections with them.”

The children are no strangers to supporting this amazing charity, which is a free service for Cancer Patients and is totally funded by donations and the hard work done by amazing volunteers.

Each year, pupils head over to the Daft as a Brush Centre to plant new flowers in the grounds. We’re not crying, you are…

Chris Zarraga, Director of Schools North East, said: “Well done to all pupils and staff involved in this latest fundraising initiative. £275 is a magnificent total that will surely go a long way in supporting a charity as precious as Daft as a Brush.

“Teaching children about charity and encouraging them to support causes they care about is important for personal development because it fosters empathy and compassion, and it promotes a sense of social responsibility. Everybody in this situation is a winner.

“A brilliant idea from St Colombia’s and something all schools in our region should focus on from time to time.”

The whole school community got involved

Rachel continued: “The whole school community took part in the fundraising, whether this was through selling raffle tickets, making delicious chocolate tiffin for a cake stall, or donating money.

“Our pupils were excited and proud that the money they had raised was able to help such a worthy cause. The children achieved more than they originally expected and the community was so generous.”

Inspired by a visit from a member of the Daft as a Brush team, the young fundraisers also designed artwork to be used to ‘wrap’ the new ambulance.

“The children tried to think of simple signs or symbols associated with the school and the local area, such as Hadrian’s Wall, the park, their local church et cetera,” continued Miss Quinn.

“They also thought about ‘happy’ things to bring joy to the patients who would be using this transport – sunshine, rainbows, flowers and friendship.

“The children were so excited to see the vehicle in person. They frequently see the Daft as a Brush vehicle in their neighbourhood and couldn’t wait to see theirs in action!”

Year 4 teacher Lesley Watson headed the fundraising initiative, which was one of several carried out at St Columba’s (a member of the Bishop Bewick Catholic Education Trust).

This wonderful charitable gesture is just one of many from the Wallsend school! Pupils regularly take over fundraising initiatives, and staff say the students are always keen to support charities or others they see in need.

Miss Quinn added: “The children are always looking for new ways to raise money and often suggest causes they feel need our support.

“We support a child in Ghana through Action Aid, a dog for the blind (Dexter), CAFOD, Fair Trade, and the local community through Wallsend’s Walking With refugee centre.”

In a world facing numerous challenges, every little really does help. The pupils at St Colombia’s are an inspiration to us all!

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