Balsall Common Primary School Children keep on giving

Balsall Common Primary School Academy, part of Central Schools Trust, invited two charities, the Air Ambulance Service and Guide Dogs in to school recently to collect a cheque for ￡546.72 each. The money was raised as a result of the generous donations and sponsorship made by parents and grandparents over 4 days where the children held a bake sale, a raffle, had a ‘Dancathon’ and finally all dressed in yellow, the Air Ambulance colours.

The charities were chosen by the children themselves as they wanted to choose a local charity in respect of the Guide Dogs and to help towards a new Childrens Air Ambulance as the nearest one is currently in Northampton.

Howard Rose, Director of Funding and Publicity, said, “The generosity of our parents and grandparents is overwhelming and it was an honour to present the cheque to The Air Ambulance Service and Guide Dogs Charity. The amount of money raised will provide an opportunity to help fund something really worthwhile. It is so important to raise awareness for these charities as you never know when you may need their help.”

Peter Heywood, Air Ambulance Service, said, “It is fantastic to see such a great effort from such young children. Every penny really does count; this will help us to help others. We look forward to being able to work with you again in the future and perhaps organise a trip to see our base.”

Frank Lynn and Fin Findlay, guide Dogs, said, “The cost to train a puppy is over ￡32,000.The money raised by the children will go towards sponsoring another puppy, just like Striker, to help another visually impaired person; look out for regular Pupdates!”