Schools and parishes across the Diocese have been raising funds for Ukraine in recent weeks, using imaginative and creative ideas. At St Bonaventure’s School, for example, pupils hosted a soup kitchen while at Brentwood Ursuline blue and yellow ribbon pins have been made and sold to raise funds. Other schools have made badges and had non-uniform days. And parishes like Romford have had bake sales and sponsored walks and hosted quizzes and raffles.
At All Saints, Dagenham, a non-uniform day earlier in the month raised £2,003 for those in need in the Ukraine war, while a similar event at De La Salle, Basildon raised £1,592, with another £90 coming from badges made by staff members Mrs O’Connell & Mrs Donovan. St Thomas More in Southend is also raising funds this week through the wearing of something yellow and blue.
Meanwhile, St Bonaventure’s School in Forest Gate made their non-uniform day a celebration of culture with pupils and staff wearing clothes reflecting their heritage. “We raised £1,227 including gift aid for the culture day,” says Deputy Headteacher, Andy Lewis, “50% of which went to the Ukraine CAFOD emergency appeal and 50% to the CAFOD general emergency fund.”
The Year 10 and 12 Chaplaincy Team also organised a Family Fast Day soup lunch in support of the CAFOD Ukraine Emergency Appeal and managed to raise £425! Caterers Olive Dining provided the broth and a roll lunch to make certain all money went to the worthwhile appeal. School Chaplain Ms Ali was grateful for all the support. “If we can help CAFOD in this small way to support those poor souls suffering hardship, homelessness & despair in Ukraine we will. They remain in our prayers every day.”
Why not consider how your school or parish could take part in some creative fundraising, as another way to support the people of Ukraine. This is a great way to share the value of doing things for others, inspiring people, and strengthening ties within your local community. Or if you are already doing things, please let us know so that we can share this good news: 
