Holy Family RC raise over £40,000 for CAFOD

Holy Family RC smash £40,000 fundraising total for CAFOD

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A group of super fundraisers from Holy Family RC and CE College in Heywood have helped to raise more than £40,000 for the aid agency CAFOD, delivering their latest donation of £200 to the agency’s headquarters in London on 18 July.

The group also went to Archbishop's House, Westminster, and were welcomed and congratulated by Cardinal Vincent Nicholson, Archbishop of Westminster and leader of the Catholic Church in England and Wales.

The school’s CAFOD group, which was founded in 1976 by former teacher and current school governor, Brian Bennion, has been committed to raising funds and helping to reach some of the poorest communities across the world for over forty years.

A collection takes place at the end of each school day, and in October, the school hold family fast days and soup kitchens, staffed by volunteers from across the school.

The group, who meet once every two weeks, comprises as many as twenty-five students aged between eleven and sixteen, with the group often being the young people’s first experience of being in a professional environment. At each meeting, an agenda is set and followed, and ideas discussed.

The young people also listen to overseas speakers from countries like Nigeria, Uganda and Albania, who Bennion says reinforce CAFOD’s message and deepen their understanding of issues affecting people around the world.

Brian Bennion, who founded and continues to run the CAFOD group, said: “The children are fantastic. They understand completely what CAFOD is trying to achieve and support this, trying to help the people they know need their help. If it wasn’t for them, the group wouldn’t have been going for forty years!

“I see parents who I taught years ago who ask me, ‘are you still doing CAFOD?’ and it just shows that people remember the impact years later.

“It’s all about facilitating the young people, and enabling them to achieve.”

Patrycja, a year eight student who plays an active part in the group, said: ”In primary school, I heard a lot about CAFOD and did lots of fundraising, and that inspired me to get involved when I came to Holy Family. I love hearing the stories about the people we’ve fundraised for and that we’ve made a difference to. The stories are inspiring.”

Headteacher, Chris Foley, added: “Our Christian ethos is very strong and we focus on putting our faith into action. We always ask the kids how they can make the world a better place, and try to inspire them to make a difference. We explain how it might not feel like they’re making a difference, but they really are.”

Steve Burrowes, a local CAFOD representative, said: “CAFOD was only 14 years old when Brian started his group, and we’re now 55-years-old. What an incredible commitment to have stayed and grown with us for all of that time.

“It’s a brilliant achievement from both Brian and all of the students who have been a part of the group over the years, we’re very grateful.”