A group of children nearly 10 000km from Grahamstown sold red ribbons, beaded badges, cake, credit card wallets, raffle tickets and wristbands to raise more than R14 000 for orphans in this city.
A group of children nearly 10 000km from Grahamstown sold red ribbons, beaded badges, cake, credit card wallets, raffle tickets and wristbands to raise more than R14 000 for orphans in this city.
Pupils of Pickering House in St Benedict's School, in London, marked World Aids Day on 1 December with a massive effort to raise money for the orphans and vulnerable children supported by Raphael Centre.
Their donation of R14 340 was inspired by their housemistress, Jayne Euvrard, who grew up in Grahamstown and who now teaches at the London school. It has become something of a tradition for the pupils, who have done this for the past four years, and the latest donation brings the four-year total to more than R25 000.
"They have put their hearts into these fundraisers and I am delighted that their new housemistress decided to continue with the project," said Euvrard. "It's great for the St Benedict's children to be able to support other children directly and to know that every penny they raise will go straight to another child's welfare.”
The Director of the Raphael Centre, Jabu van Niekerk, was overwhelmed. “We are absolutely thrilled that Jayne has inspired children so far away to have compassion, and care for the needs of our local children affected by Aids," Van Niekerk said.
"It is something very special when children help other children, and these donations have made a real difference in the lives of many Aids orphans and vulnerable youngsters here. "It is also so heartwarming that someone like Jayne might leave Grahamstown – but not forget the needs of her home town.”
