Cornwall Schoolchildren Rally to Support Disaster Victims – See How They Raised Over £2,000!

Students at Sir James Smith School in Camelford have raised more than £2,000 for ShelterBox, the Truro-based disaster relief charity providing emergency shelter to people affected by crises worldwide.

The pupils have been running a dedicated after-school club since September 2023, meeting fortnightly to discuss global disasters, the climate crisis, and the charity’s work. Through non-uniform days, cake sales, and other activities, they have generated funds to support people left homeless by disasters and conflicts.

Bringing ShelterBox’s Work Into the Classroom

ShelterBox tailors its aid to each crisis to ensure people get the support they need. In Gaza, the charity is providing emergency shelter, including tents, tarpaulins, blankets, water carriers, and kitchen sets. In Sudan, where conflict has forced people to flee, ShelterBox is supplying tarpaulins, rope, mosquito nets, and solar lights to help families rebuild temporary homes.

The club, led by the school’s head of geography, Gabi Zankl, connects the students’ learning with real-world challenges. Gabi said:

“The enthusiasm for the club has grown year on year where students are actively demonstrating each of our school’s core values: connected, creative and committed.

“Students have connected to ShelterBox through learned experiences in the Geography curriculum when they study natural hazards and how charities respond to disasters on a global scale.

“Students at the club are driven by the fact they want to support people in other countries who are rebuilding their communities and therefore, students continue to use their creativity to come up with the next fundraising idea.”

A School Community Making a Difference

The school has fully embraced ShelterBox’s mission, even creating a library display featuring aid items to raise awareness among students. They have also invited guest speakers from the charity to speak at assemblies, strengthening their connection to the cause.

During a recent cheque presentation, ShelterBox volunteer Ros McLaughlin personally thanked the students for their efforts. John Stanbury, Community Fundraising Assistant at ShelterBox, praised the initiative, saying:

“Under Gabi Zankl’s inspired leadership, the after-school club has built extraordinary momentum with pupils planning successive events to help communities affected by conflict or disaster.

“The ShelterBox aid items on display in the school library are representative of how these opportunities for learning and empathy extend through the school. We’re extremely thankful to everyone involved.”

More Fundraising Planned for 2025

With their success so far, the students are already looking ahead to more fundraising activities in 2025. Planned events include a quiz night in spring, a film night in summer, and a row-athon using the school’s gym equipment.

To learn more about ShelterBox and its global relief efforts, visit shelterbox.org.