Backpacks bid boosted by forest donation
The children in Malawi receive their backpacks School pupils making up backpacks to send to children in Malawi have received a donation from a popular Perthshire event.
The organisers of The Enchanted Forest light and sound show have donated T-shirts to Pitlochry High School’s fundraising drive.
Primary five pupils from Mrs Cardew’s class at the Highland Perthshire school have been collecting items to fill school bags, which will be sent to children in Malawi who are supported by the Mary’s Meals charity.
However, when members of The Enchanted Forest Community Trust heard about the charity work being done by the school pupils, they wanted to offer T-shirts to be included in the donations.
They say they were delighted to have been able to contribute to the project and support the efforts of local children helping those who are less fortunate.
Ian Sim, chairman of The Enchanted Forest Community Trust, said: “It is difficult to imagine not having access to basic school items such as pencils and paper, so we are proud to have been able to help Mrs Cardew’s primary five class at Pitlochry High School support Mary’s Meals backpack project.
“We hope the backpacks will help the children they reach enjoy their school experiences to the full.”
The group has been receiving help to fill the backpacks from the Den @ Heartland Kids’ Club’s breakfast supervisor Judith Dingwall as well. Between them, they have sent out 55 complete backpacks, which each including notepads, pencils, stationery, cutlery, a toothbrush and clothing, as well as other essential items.
Frank Nelson, head of fundraising at Mary’s Meals, said: “We’re so grateful to the children of Pitlochry High School and The Enchanted Forest for supporting the backpack project.
“So many of the children who receive Mary’s Meals in Malawi come to school without the basic tools for learning.
“Giving the children a backpack full of educational items enables them to get the most out of their education.”