St Mark’s (Westerhope) Mini Vinnies lead Giant Cereal Box Domino for West End Foodbank

It was ‘crunch time’ – but all in a good cause – when children at St Mark’s Catholic Primary took part in a special charity event.

Pupils from Nursery to Year 6 were involved in the Giant Domino Cereal Box Challenge, which was spearheaded by the school’s ‘Mini Vinnies’ charity fundraising team, with the boxes of cereal later donated to the West End Foodbank.

“We have 20 Mini Vinnies in Years 5 and 6,” explained Deputy Headteacher Melanie Henderson.

“The Mini Vinnies wrote to local shops, and shared the campaign at Church and in our community.

“They promoted the campaign by poster and class Dojo. They spoke at Assembly, promoted in the Parish Bulletin, and asked for donations from local supermarkets.

“It was all about coming together to help others in a fun and meaningful way.”

Their efforts certainly paid off, with an impressive 270 boxes of cereal collected for the Challenge, which involved a ‘giant domino’ layout stretching from one side of the school to the other, with the design incorporating a giant heart.

“Events like this are so important for both our school and the wider community,” added Mrs Henderson.

“They give our children a wonderful opportunity to live out their Faith in Action, showing kindness and compassion in a very real way. By encouraging others to give, they bring the community together to help families who may be struggling.

“The food collected for the foodbank makes a real difference – providing meals, comfort and hope – and reminds us all of the power of working together to care for one another.”