Sky high hopes for Hospice Million Pennies challenge

Springhill Hospice’s ‘One Million Pennies’ Challenge

The Bank of England was thinking of scrapping it. Over one million people admit to just throwing them away, but the humble 1p coin is about to make a return to the limelight with the introduction of Springhill Hospice’s ‘One Million Pennies’ Challenge.

Launched in local schools as part of this year’s ‘Go Green’ day, the aim is to collect one million pennies and raise £10,000.

Barbara Lloyd, from Springhill Hospice’s fundraising team, said: “We decided to launch the challenge in schools for Go Green this year because it helps to show children in particular that every penny counts and that small steps can combine to really make a big difference. We hope that it is an inclusive challenge that everyone can participate in throughout the year.”

One of the main events in Springhill’s annual fundraising calendar, Go Green Day is this year on Friday 13 May. It is one day of the year when everyone is invited to help raise money to support the work of the Hospice.

Barbara, who called in to meet the children at Lowerplace Primary School in Rochdale and launch the challenge, added: “If you were able to build a tower of one million pennies it would measure around one mile high. That’s more than five times the height of Britain’s tallest building, The Shard, in London.

"We are asking pupils to raid their piggy banks, pockets and purses to find their unwanted pennies to help Springhill Hospice reach – and maybe even beat – our challenge target.”

Another school that has signed up to the challenge is Matthew Moss High School. Its four 'houses', Lime, Beech, Oak and Maple, will be going head-to-head in order to raise money. Leading the project is teacher Roy Down, he said: “The whole school will be encouraged to drop in some coppers for Go Green Day in our own inter-family challenge and we hope also to organise a local supermarket bag pack. It is a great idea and we will be encouraging our industry contacts also to support it.”

To find out more about Springhill Hospice’s Go Green Day and the Million Pennies Schools Challenge visit www.springhill.org.uk/go-green-2016 or ring the fundraising team on 01706 641790.