Working with a representative from local women’s refuge Amadudu, the pupils wrote inspirational cards with messages of love and support to accompany the shoeboxes, which were filled with gifts for both the children and their mums.
This activity formed part of the LFC Foundation’s #iwill week of celebration, which inspires children and young people to make positive contributions to their local communities, the environment and society as a whole.
Amadudu Women's Refuge helps women and children fleeing domestic abuse. The service offers temporary accommodation for families, providing support, understanding and access to additional services when required. Their aim is to enable all women using the service to live a life free from domestic abuse.
Tola Lee, a family support worker at Amadudu Women's Refuge, gave the group a short talk about domestic abuse and her role helping families. This was followed by a question and answer session.
Tola said: “I was really overwhelmed by the kindness of all the children. The fact that they choose to help children less fortunate than themselves and understand the important of doing this is just fantastic.
“Christmas is about love, giving and being kind and that’s exactly what the children have shown. I’d like to thank them, their school and the LFC Foundation for their time and generosity.”
Joseph, 10, said: “It’s good to help other children less fortunate than us to make sure they have a good Christmas.”
Poppy, 10, said: “It’s really good that other children get to feel the same way we do at Christmas, which is important as we are all the same.”
Alex Jones, #iwill programme manager, added: “I’m so proud of the children and their hard work on their chosen #iwill activity. It will make such a big difference to those families waking up on Christmas morning with gifts and cards.
“The #iwill campaign is important because it teaches young people about different issues and that they have the power to collectively make a difference in their local community and wider society.”