BBCET school celebrates Harvest by helping those in need

There was a charitable spin to seasonal celebrations at a BBCET school in Walbottle, when the children dedicated their annual Harvest Festival to helping those less fortunate than themselves.

The pupils at St Cuthbert’s Catholic Primary worked together to collect items for the Missionaries of Charity religious order, which was founded by Mother Teresa more than 75 years ago to support ‘the poorest of the poor’.

“All year groups celebrated Mass in the school hall, and all children donated items to be taken to the Missionaries of Charity in Elswick,” said Colette Barrett, Headteacher at the school.

“Children participated in Mass, they carried out some of the readings, and all children worked hard learning hymns.”

St Cuthbert’s ‘Mini Vinnies’ charitable fundraising group sorted the donations, which were then delivered to the Missionaries of Charity by the school’s Head Boy and Head Girl, accompanied by Mrs Barrett and Deputy Headteacher Sarah Walsh.

“Celebration of the tradition of Harvest feeds into our Catholic Social Values of Stewardship,” added Mrs Barrett. “It fosters community links through the donation of goods. It allows the school community to contribute to the wider community at large.

“It highlights the importance of sharing and contributing to the wider community. It also builds links with the Missionaries of Charity.”