A Cambridge day and boarding school has held its first ‘Giving Day’, raising more than £25,000 for bursaries and almost £5,000 for a variety of charities.
Staff, pupils and guests at The Leys school took part in a wide programme of events on 23-24 March, with events on the non-uniform day including bake sales and students showcasing the fundraising efforts they had been undertaking throughout the year.
Guests were invited to listen to reports on volunteering initiatives the pupils have been involved in – including maths tutoring at a local primary school and helping out at Oxfam and Scope – as well as being treated to a buffet lunch and, in the evening, a singalong screening of the 2017 musical, ‘The Greatest Showman’.
“This was a wonderful opportunity for The Leys community to come together to celebrate and reflect on the charitable activities of the pupils,” said Donna Thomas-Watson, director of development at school.
“The money raised will go directly towards 110% bursaries for children from disadvantaged backgrounds,” she added, “giving them the opportunity to enjoy the amazing opportunities a Leysian education offers.
“This, as well as the funds going to charities beyond the school, is what the event was all about, and we are very grateful for the support and generosity shown by the entire Leysian community.”
More than £2,000 had been raised prior to the ‘Giving Day’, through events such as the Dale quiz and Fen bingo night.
Further-flung members of The Leys’ community were kept abreast of proceedings via a running commentary shared on the school’s social media channels, and were able to make their own contributions via a dedicated website.
The school reports that 52 of the day’s 130 donors were making their first gift to The Leys, with 18 contributions coming from beyond the UK.
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