Schools set to go on a bear hunt after record sign up for fundraising campaign
Since the big announcement of the arrival of the bears in November, over 130 schools and community groups have expressed their interest in sponsoring a Little Bear to help raise funds to transform the Cancer and Leukaemia Ward at Sheffield Children’s Hospital.
With 100 schools confirmed to receive a bear, this is already more than the 62 little elephants which made up the Little Herd.
The schools confirmed have committed to raising a minimum of £750 for their bear by the 25th May and some schools have already achieved this target. Education partner Twinkle are providing the schools with education packs and fundraising ideas to help guide them through the process, so the children learn, raise vital funds and have fun all at the same time.
Heritage High School, a secondary school located in the village of Clowne, Chesterfield, is a 11-16 comprehensive in the heart of the Derbyshire Community.
Mrs Angela Lindley, Business Manager at the school, explained their reasons for taking part.
She said: “Within our school community we have a number of families that the Children’s Hospital has supported through illness of either themselves or family members. We are grateful that this level of support is able to continue for the benefit of children and young people, not only in our community but for all who need this support.
“We’re so lucky to have an amazing staff member, Mrs Frances Newton, who, amongst other jobs, coordinates our student voice group and works with the students regarding the charities.
“She is the link between the students and the leadership team, I cannot praise her highly enough for the work that she does with regards to this area, working tirelessly to ensure that we support local charities.”
Mrs Newton explained the support she’s received from the students: “All of our students have been involved in the fundraising in some way or another.
“We have a brilliant team selling raffle tickets, taking the change buckets around and many more have signed up to join the fundraising team this week.
“We now have so many students wanting to help that we have had to draw up a rota, which is brilliant news. We have already raised £850 since September which really showcases how supportive the pupils are and how much they want to do their bit to try and make a difference.
The Little Bears will be joining the sculpture trail this July along with the big bear sculptures which will be decorated by chosen artists. After the trail each Little Bear will be returned to the school, nursery or college as a permanent memento of the project.