Sheffield school continues charity work despite constraints of Covid-19

Birley Primary Academy has supported Sheffield Childrens Hospital and the Cathedral Archer Project for a number of years, raising vital funds and donating goods to ensure both charities can continue their work within the city.

This year, however, the school was unable to carry out some of its fundraising events due to the current coronavirus restrictions.

Undeterred, it has now raised £1,224 for Sheffield Childrens Hospital by holding a virtual raffle fundraiser with around 85 prizes donated by local businesses, including a Meadowhall voucher and first class train tickets to London.

Headteacher Dawn Mcaughey said: “We’ve supported Sheffield Children’s Hospital for a few years, sponsoring a star on the side of the hospital and we also took part in the Herd of Sheffield.

"Its been tricky this year due to Covid-19, but it’s a cause that is close to our hearts and we wanted to still support it so we came up with a virtual raffle.

“It’s been a massive success. Now, we’re busy prepping for the draw and will film it live when we come back after the holidays and share it on our Twitter and Facebook channels. That’s how we’ve been communicating lots of the good stuff that’s been going on here at Birley because it’s obviously tricky now parents can’t come in.”

Elsewhere, children have also brought in food donations to assist the Cathedral Archer Project who support the city’s homeless population.

Birley Primary said it has had an “overwhelming response” despite it being a tough time for a lot of families who are now struggling to put food on their table - including some within its own community.

Ms Mcaughey added: “Again, it’s a charity that we’ve supported for a few years and, around harvest time, someone from the Cathedral Archer Project has historically come in and done assemblies with the children.

"We’re restricted a little bit this year because we can’t have anyone come to talk to the children but they have videod an assembly for us which will be shown live in classrooms on Thursday.

"That’s really important for the children so they can see why that tin of beans they bring in is so very important.”

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