New Beginnings (Reading) Partnership

This year Reading Blue Coat School (RBCS) partnered with New Beginnings (Reading) for the Harvest Festival food donation appeal.

Aims

The aim of the project was to provide food donations to New Beginnings (Reading). This charity works to prevent and relieve poverty and financial hardship for people in Reading.

Background

The partnership came about following a direct appeal from New Beginnings for help. The Aldworth Partnership prefects considered the application and decided to work with the charity through the harvest festival appeal this year.

Resources

The critical factor for success related to the promotion of the appeal through Blues Post (weekly parent e-letter), Facebook, a whole school assembly and a poster campaign. The assembly was organised by the Aldworth Partnership prefects with a guest speaker from New Beginnings.

Donations were collected and stored in school and transported to New Beginnings via the school minibus. Over 50 heavy carrier bags of donations were collected over the week of the appeal.

Impact

The food will be distributed to people in the Reading area who access support from New Beginnings. The following message was received following the appeal.

"A huge 'thank you' to Reading Blue Coat school who chose to support New Beginnings this year with their Harvest Festival donations. New Beginnings were invited along to take part in the school's assembly - we were made to feel so welcomed. Today a minibus bursting with donations arrived at New Beginnings - absolutely amazing! A really massive thank you to all the school community - your support, kindness and enthusiasm are so appreciated. Your kindness will impact those who need it most in our community! Thank you 😊"

Pupil Involvement

The appeal was supported by students from all year groups as well as their parents and staff members who made substantial food donations.

Frequency

We hope to continue working with New Beginnings in the future through similar appeals and also with older volunteers.