The Painsley Catholic Academy is delighted to announce that its schools have collectively raised £16,500 for CAFOD’s Ukrainian Humanitarian Appeal.  The academy comprises two Catholic high schools and thirteen Catholic Primary schools in Staffordshire and started their fundraising in March.  

Primary school activities included sponsored walks, fun runs, making and selling craft items including their own story books, bake sales, film nights and many more.  Two primary schools asked students to bring in loose change and used the coins to fill in a large map of Ukraine. A special mention should also go to St Filumena's Catholic Primary School in Caverswall who raised a massive £2446 with their ‘Walk For Ukraine’, where the children completed laps of the sports field within a set time.  

At Blessed William Howard Catholic High School, in Stafford, St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School in Uttoxeter and Painsley Catholic College, in Cheadle, students brought in a huge quantity of items to be shipped to Ukraine – items such as bedding / torches and long-life food, in addition to raising almost £10,000 in funds.  

Painsley College asked students to use a £1 donation from the RE Department and to make it grow by investing it into their own personal fundraising activities. Blessed William Howard students organised a whole day of activities for the school, including 'sponge the teacher', tuck shops, penalty shoot outs and rowing competitions.

St John’s Catholic Primary School in Great Haywood near Stafford is one of the smaller schools in the academy, and has welcomed three Ukrainian children into its family this term.  

Head of School, Mrs Lucy Snaith, commented:

“The school community has raised over £150 for the CAFOD appeal but what has been really amazing is just how lovely our children have been in welcoming our three new students and going out of their way to make them feel at home.”  

Mr Steve Bell, CEO at The Painsley Catholic Academy said:

“I am immensely proud of the efforts of all of our students, from age 3 to age 18, they have all taken this campaign to their hearts.  Thank you also to parents and staff who have supported the various initiatives throughout the academy.”

Diocesan Response to Ukraine