Boost for local foodbank thanks to The Garibaldi School

Conventionally, schools take part in non-uniform day with the pupils bringing a donation of money, but this year the Garibaldi pupils wanted to give back to their community using the school’s charity initiative.

James Aldred, Head Teacher at The Garibaldi School, said: “As part of The Garibaldi School charity initiative and social action agenda, instead of the traditional £1 non-uniform donation, we asked our students and staff to donate some food or toiletries to the foodbank.

"My goodness me did our students and staff deliver! They arrived at school in their fantastic festive clothing to be greeted by big smiles and festive tunes and they donated in their droves."

The school’s charity initiative is an opportunity for pupils to learn about important issues and causes that affect the world around them.

Pupils can share their creative ideas which help get them involved with important matters that impact their community.

“It was phenomenal to see all of our students recognising the need and significance to support others within our own community over the festive period," continued Mr Aldred.

"As a result of the foodbank drive, we were able to make a significant contribution to those in need.

“Sherwood Foodbank collected the donations last Friday and with the help of our student leaders and willing staff volunteers, we were able to load it all in to go.

"People who need it will benefit from a little extra help this Christmas and we look forward to building a collaborative relationship with the Sherwood Foodbank.”

The Sherwood Forest Foodbank collection drivers’, Dennis and Owen, passed on their sincere gratitude, saying. “The donation was absolutely fantastic and we are keen to invite Garibaldi students to help with donation sorting in the future."

With one in five of the UK population living below the poverty line, figures show the number of people fed by foodbanks remain at its highest ever level.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) published the statistics of foodbank usage in March, which showed within the last 12 months 2.1 million people in the UK had needed to use a foodbank.

If you would like to make a difference to someone’s life, details can be found on where and how you can donate at www.sherwoodforest.foodbank.org.uk or www.trusselltrust.org.