Holy Family Catholic Primary School in Benfleet, Essex is a Roman Catholic School which opened in 1965. As well as the traditional 7 year classes of primary education, the school also has an onsite nursery. Joining easyfundraising at the height of the pandemic back in 2020, the school’s Parents, Governers and Student Association has raised just shy of £800 through supporters shopping online via our platform. We spoke with PGSA member Sam, to learn more about the school and their fundraising.
Tell us about the school
Holy Family School is a voluntary aided Roman Catholic School, opened by the Sisters of Mercy in 1965. The school strives to maintain close links between Church and School. Our priests celebrate whole school Masses regularly and they also celebrate liturgical and reconciliation services at appropriate times during the year, making frequent visits to the school. In the summer term, children from Key Stage 2 occasionally walk to morning Mass at the local church too.
The school has a fully equipped P.E. hall, a kitchen where meals are prepared daily, modern and tech equipped classrooms, plus a large field used for play and a heated outdoor swimming pool – we have a part time instructor come in for swimming classes which we ask parents to make a contribution towards.
The Parent Governors Student Association (PGSA) is our committee responsible for organising many events across the school in order to help raise money towards equipment, provisions and special treats for the children. Some of the events which the PGSA organise throughout the school year include school discos, the Christmas and Summer fetes, quiz nights, festivals and competitions to name but a few.
Why does the school need funding?
We fundraise for the children – to enhance their learning experience. We do that through provision of learning resources as well as specific trips / treats during the year. In this current climate, schools do not receive enough funds without additional help.
Why did the PGSA sign up to easyfundraising?
We loved the fact that our whole school community could get behind our fundraising effort so easily. Anyone can help raise funds, whether a parent or grandparent, PGSA member, or even a previous student! It takes a couple of clicks and every donation, no matter how small, really helps.
We signed up during the COVID pandemic, at a time when it was impossible to hold fundraising events. We wanted to make sure we still had funds coming in to make sure the school was ready for the students’ return after study from home. Easyfundraising meant we had a regular source of income and the community could keep raising for us by doing their online shopping, which of course they were doing more of at that time.
What have you used the easyfundraising funds on to date?
Most recently, funds were used to provide a rug for the Early Years and also back in April we organised a visit from the Easter Bunny with a gift for all the pupils. They loved it and we were so happy to be able to fund it.
What are you currently fundraising towards?
We’re constantly trying to offer more treats for all the children. We are raising towards a visit from Santa this Christmas, and if possible, we’d like the Easter bunny to return in 2025 too. We have a very full school at the moment, so the cost of 210 individual gifts really does add up.
How do you spread the word about easyfundraising to the school community?
Our PGSA have a Facebook group along with a dedicated page on the school website. We ensure easyfundraising is included on there with clear links of how to sign up in support. We also give updates on how much has been raised to date and what we are raising towards. We also ensure that it is promoted in the latest submissions pack for the new starters in September, so parents know about it right from the start of their journey with us. We have over 40 active supporters at the moment.
What would be your top tip for other schools to raise as well as yours has?
You have to continue to promote/mention easyfundraising at every opportunity. September time, when new parents are coming through the gate is an ideal time and especially at key shopping times like mothers/fathers days, Christmas (or other religious events if applicable), and don’t forget Black Friday too. Every communication channel you have, make sure it includes your supporter referral link.
How you can support a school
Holy Family Catholic School’s PGSA are doing an outstanding job in raising much-needed funds for their school and pupils. If you would like to support them visit their easyfundraising page here.
They are just one of more than 30,000 schools raising with us, raising more than £15m between them. Member of a school PTA, a parent or teacher and would like to start raising money for your school with our help? Sign up your school here.