John Hampden Primary School children and parents are bringing joy to refugee children in northern France this week. The school ran a Christmas Appeal entitled “50 Bags of Joy” with local group Bread and Roses for Refugees. Children were invited to join in by an assembly given by Junior Members of Bread and Roses, Ruby Weston, Bella and Lolly Asbury, Alice Flitton, George Davy and Pietra Van Ondheisen who explained more about what a refugee is and why some children become them. Children were asked to fill small backpacks with toys, toiletries and other lovely gifts. The target of 50 bags was smashed by a wonderful 180 bags being filled and bought to school to be sent straight away to refugee children fleeing war and persecution, often travelling many miles and leaving with just the clothes on their back. The bags have been taken to Northern France and will be distributed by voluntary organisations working on the ground. Paul Hankey, Headteacher, said “never before has a charity appeal at John Hampden School captured the imagination of the school community. Massive thanks to Bread and Roses for Refugees for enabling us to help bring moments of joy into lives of refugee children”. Well done everyone!
