Ferryhill school pupils to take part in event to help the local community

03 June 2020

Public-spirited pupils at Ferryhill School will next Monday (8 June) be taking part in an 11-day event aimed at supporting the local community through the Covid-19 lockdown.

The pupils are teaming up with local charity Community Food Initiatives North East (CFINE) to help reduce the food insecurity local families may be experiencing by arranging and taking part in a drop off of food and household cleaning items at the three drop off points arranged by the schools’ Parents Council.

The pupils, are being encouraged by the P7 House Captains, to promote the donations drive, by wearing their school jumpers with an attached A4 sign with the CFINE logo or the name of the donor they’d like to thank, and walking, running, skipping, roller blading or scootering between 5 and 10 km, from 8 -19 June.

As well as pupils, the House Captains will also be encouraging local people including fellow staff and parents to participate via donations to the drop off points each of which will have the additional encouragement of fruit bags for children, kindly provided by CFINE.

The resourceful pupils came up with the idea as an alternative to their annual charity fund raising run in the Duthie Park in order to avoid seeking money donations at time when families may be facing finances pressures.

Councillor John Wheeler, Aberdeen City Council’s Education Operational Delivery Convener, said: “This is another great effort by Ferryhill School pupils who have achieved UNICEF Gold Award status as a Rights Respecting School.

“Not only are they showing respect for each other but also for the local community and their willingness to help families who may be in need because of Covid-19 is truly commendable. My best wishes for success go out to all concerned, pupils, parents, staff, local people and, of course, CFINE for this great initiative”

Lisa Duthie, CFINE’s Chief Executive, said:

“CFINE is delighted to be the supported cause of this great event that promotes children’s rights, health and wellbeing and helps the local community.

“We would like to thank the teachers, pupils and parents of Ferryhill School for their efforts and contributions. Your donations will help us maintain contact-free emergency food deliveries to people facing difficulty during these uncertain times.”  

Photograph: Councillor John Wheeler celebrating with Ferryhill School pupils on the occasion of their Unicef Rights Respecting School Gold Award