A year-long fundraising campaign by Beachborough School near Brackley has raised an impressive £6,148 for older people‟s charity Independent Age. The campaign aimed to connect pupils with the older generation and, in one activity, pupils were taught how to knit – and made a scarf long enough to wrap around the school.
All the money raised will support Independent Age‟s work to tackle older people‟s poverty and loneliness through the „A,B,C‟ of advice, befriending and campaigning.
The fundraising events began in October 2012 with a bake sale. In December, the pupils were encouraged to ask someone they know who can knit to teach them. The resulting collection of knitted squares were made into a scarf long enough to wrap around the school and were then turned into blankets and donated to a local good cause.
Other fundraising highlights this year included a cycle day at Silverstone, where pupils and their families cycled around the Grand Prix track, and a family camping weekend. Despite the sometimes uncertain weather, all the events were highly successful. This year of fundraising was wrapped up in June with a tea party held at Beachborough School for over-70s in the local community.
Jonathan Whybrow, Beachborough School‟s Headteacher, said, “Independent Age has provided a unique opportunity for Beachborough pupils. In a fast changing world the next generation will be better prepared through a connection with older people. Thanks to the support of Independent Age, Beachborough's charitable events have been such fun, whilst also teaching our pupils valuable lessons. Well done everyone!”
Amy Scrivener, Fundraising Officer at Independent Age, added, “Congratulations to all the pupils and staff at Beachborough School, their families and the wider community for getting behind the fundraising effort so enthusiastically. The fantastic sum of money raised for Independent Age will help us continue the charity‟s work and will make a lasting difference to the lives of older people, making sure they always have somewhere to turn.”
For media inquiries contact Rachel Hails on T +44 (0)20 7605 4266, or email rachel.hails@independentage.org For out of hours media inquiries, call 07545 209 589.
Notes to editor
About Independent Age:
Founded 150 years ago, Independent Age is a growing charity helping older people across the UK and Ireland through the „A, B, C‟ of advice, befriending and campaigning. We offer a national telephone and email advice service focusing on social care, welfare benefits and befriending services, which is supported by a wide range of printed guides and factsheets. This is integrated with on-the-ground, local support, provided by a network of over 1,500 volunteers offering one-to-one and group befriending.
For more information, visit our website www.independentage.org Speak to one of our advisers for free and confidential advice and information. Lines are open Monday to Friday 10am–4pm. Call 0845 262 1863 or email advice@independentage.org
For more information about fundraising opportunities with Independent Age, visit www.independentage.org/support-us
Beachborough School
For more information about Beachborough School and its fundraising initiative, visit www.beachborough.com