School’s Harvest Day sees pupils bless charities with piles of collected goods
It is an example of the compassion, kindness, care and support we should share with others
SARAH KINGON
Hudson Park Primary School pupils spent their Friday giving back to 27 organisations in need throughout the city, as part of their Harvest Day initiative.
The seventh annual drive is the brainchild of Pastoral Head Morgan Lands, who said he began the initiative with his class when he was a Grade 4 teacher.
“I was completing my Masters degree on spirituality and focused on being there for others.
“The project started with my Grade 4 class bringing sandwiches and has grown to what we see today,” Lands said.
“We need to start giving to others at an early age so that this extends to later in life.
“We need to show the children the importance of giving. You can’t help everybody, but everybody can help somebody.” Charities ranged from those benefiting babies to the elderly and animals.
Each grade selected a charity to assist and brought in items to benefit that charity, as well as additional extras on the Friday.
The mound of items collected included books, nappies, fresh food, pet food and loads more.
Child Care worker Princess Mondile, from the Sunshine Children’s Home said: “We are very happy to receive all these donations, which will go a long way to assist the 16 children at our home.
“We have been coming here for a number of years and are so grateful for the help we receive here.”
Pet Pals founder Sue Kriel said: “It is such a privilege to benefit the animals with gifts from the children.”
Principal at Hudson Park Primary, Ian Lehy, opened the school assembly saying: “This is the most important event on our school calendar. It is an example of the compassion, kindness, care and support we should share with others.”
The assembly incorporated a holistic spiritual element, with members of various religious groups blessing the proceedings and sharing their motivation from various spiritual texts.
Two drama presentations were shared with the audience, driving home the message of generosity behind the day.
“Don’t be greedy and share with the needy,” shared one group of boys.
Grade 7 pupil Wela Hillie chatted to GO! & Express after handing over some gifts to organisations saying: “I have been given so much, so I must give back to the underprivileged.”
Lands said he would like to thank all the parents, pupils and staff whose contributions to Harvest Day made a big difference in the lives of others, with the following quote:
“I would like to thank my colleagues who drive this, the Port Rex Lions Club who inspires me and the pupils and parents who give so generously to make this day a success,” Lands said.
