Throughout Advent the whole school took part in the Cafod World Gifts Campaign. Each form found ways to raise money and buy gifts from the World Gifts catalogue. The gifts were decided upon by the form group and their tutor. Some chose a gift for an individual child whilst others focused on gifts with a wider impact for either a family or a community. Staff donated the money they would have spent on Christmas cards. The amounts raised by each form ranged from £20 to £248, and gave the students a valuable insight on the power they possess to make positive and lasting changes to the lives of others.     

Altogether, over £2,100 was raised and gifts included 22 goats, 7 bicycles, 16 school starter packs, 22 vegetable gardens, 6 emergency basics kits, 16 chickens, 10 clean water supplies, 1 support for a child in need and 1 disaster recovery pack.

Examples of the level of awareness being raised as a result of our efforts include over 100 parents requesting catalogues and then buying World Gifts for family members and some students giving World Gifts to their form tutors as Christmas presents!

As a reward for their fund raising efforts, members of 9F, the form which raised the largest amount, paid a visit to St Mary's own chickens which were introduced at the Mount, St Mary's Preparatory Department last term.

These hens are already laying on a daily basis and this is a very good indication of the difference such a basic gift can make to the well being and prosperity of a family.

"I am delighted and very encouraged at the impact this Campaign has had on the wider school community," says the organiser of the project, Mrs Chris Hearty (RE Dept)

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