By Mrs Johnson, Charities Co-Ordinator

We ended a very busy first half of term with a series of bake sales in aid of the Felix Project. A big thank you to all the bakers, sellers and buyers – the cake sales raised over £150. The Felix Project collects fresh, nutritious food that cannot be sold. They deliver the surplus food to charities and schools so they can provide healthy meals and help the most vulnerable in society.  

Also in October students have enjoyed the Year 11 bake and sweet sale, teacher karaoke and the showing of Mean Girls accompanied by pizza and candy floss. These activities raised £200 for the Year 11’s chosen charity, Anti-Slavery International.

Well done to Abby and Anna in 7E for raising money for the Marine Conservation Society through their sea creature fimo creations. Each creature was handcrafted and given its own identity. Year 7 snapped up these wonderful creations.

Looking ahead, the Year 10s have chosen to support Women’s Aid and have planned a fun-filled month of activities. These include sporting activities with the Junior school, several bake sales and a candy cane delivery service. Friday 12th November will also be a ‘wear a pink hair accessory day’ for a 50p donation. The Just Giving Page link for all donations is here.

As a school we would like to continue our support for refugees living in the local area. During the week beginning Monday 22nd November, we will be holding a collection of winter hats, scarves and gloves, as well as small and medium men’s winter coats and trainers for the local branch of ‘Care 4 Calais’. All items will be distributed to the residents living in hostels in the surrounding area.

The Ealing Age UK Day Centre is also collecting items for their Christmas hampers. Sadly, many of their clients have still not managed to return to pre-pandemic life. Receiving a Christmas hamper is a way of letting them feel remembered during this festive time. They would be happy to receive any long-life food items that do not contain bits which could cause choking. Suggested items include tinned veg, fruits and soups, jam/marmalade, crackers, biscuits, spreads, long life milk, teabags, coffee, sugar, porridge, pasta, noodles, chocolates. Also shampoos, soaps, toothpaste, lap blankets, gloves, scarfs, hats, puzzle books.  Please brings items for both collections in during the week of 22nd November.

Finally, the Harrow Club are also launching their Winter Giving Appeal. They are seeking funds to support their ‘Another Way’ late night safe space project. Their three sites in West London will be open until midnight providing a range of sports, creative opportunities, advice and support for young people who are involved in or at risk of involvement in gang related conflict. Their aim is to provide mentoring and employment training to help provide another way. At NHEHS, students will be designing Christmas cards with the Art department which will be on sale towards the end of November. All money raised through these sales will go to the work of the Harrow Club. You will be able to purchase these through Parent Pay. You are also able to donate directly to the work of the Harrow club, all donations received between Tuesday 30th November and Tuesday 7th December will be match-funded.

Thank you for your continued generosity!