Yarm School Association Raises Over £4k For Stockton Charity

The Yarm School Association (YSA) has raised £4,307 for Stockton-based charity, Little Sprouts Health and Wellbeing.

As face-to-face events have been put on hold due to lockdown restrictions, YSA held a virtual quiz night, hosted by comedian Steve Walls, as well as a raffle with prizes including an acupuncture treatment at Mowbray House Acupuncture, a set of artwork by Helen Hardy Art and a meal for four at The Keys. The night also included an auction, with prizes like a Paul Swift stunt driving masterclass and a photo shoot with Stan Seaton up for grabs.

The YSA was formed by a volunteer group of parents who, in partnership with staff representatives, aim to provide opportunities for parents, staff and pupils to enjoy a wide range of events in support of the whole school community and local charities.

Little Sprouts coordinates community food and nutrition-related projects to help vulnerable adults and communities to improve their wellbeing, whilst supporting social inclusion, reducing isolation, tackling food poverty and providing safe community spaces.

Amanda Stephen, Chair of YSA, said: “I am delighted we have been able to continue with our community support, in a safe manner and following government guidelines. Our virtual quiz night was a wonderful idea and through the generosity of the parents and staff who took part, enabled us to raise a fantastic amount for Little Sprouts.

Charities have been adversely affected by the pandemic and need fundraising support now more than ever, and I’m so pleased we have been able to help the charity with this donation.”

Debbie Fixter, Co-founder of Little Sprouts, said: “During the pandemic we have been able to support people shielding, isolating or struggling financially with regular food donations. We couldn’t have done this without the help of our amazing staff, volunteers, funders, local shops, restaurants and businesses, as well as the general public who have generously donated food and essential items during this time.

Many fundraising events have not been able to go ahead due to Covid-19. We are so grateful to the Yarm School Association for coming up with an innovative alternative to raise funds for our charity, and we know the money will be put to good use in helping us to educate our local community on wellbeing.”

In the last year Yarm School has also supported Little Sprouts by raising over £400 at their Christmas Jumper Day, donating a minibus full of over 500 food and household items following a Canny Christmas initiative which asked pupils to bring in canned goods, and collecting over 200 Easter eggs to accompany the essential food parcels Little Sprouts distributed over the Easter holidays.

In July 2020, a member of staff from Yarm also helped collect and distribute food parcels to those in need using one of the School’s minibuses.

Huw Williams, Headmaster, said: “As a School we are committed to playing an active role in our local community in myriad ways, with fundraising and supporting local charities being a core part of our aims. We encourage pupils right through the School to support causes that they feel strongly about and, as well as contributing positively to the fantastic work of local charities, I know that this engagement is an important part of the development and education of our pupils who gain an understanding of the value of service and making a difference.

I am thrilled that the Yarm School community has found ways to adapt to restrictions during the pandemic and continue our commitment to supporting local charities, finding new ways to raise money or collect donations of food and household products.”