Oldham primary school go 'Outrageously Orange' for local charity

An Oldham primary school pulled on their fundraising pants to raise money for a local charity with an Outrageously Orange fun day. 

Usually last week week, children at Alexandra Park Junior School would raise money for an anti-hate charity, linking with national Hate Crime Awareness Week. 

But this year, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Brook Lane school decided to set their sights closer to home. 

Children were asked to vote for one of three local causes: 

• #SaveOurTheatres (Oldham Coliseum)

• Mahdlo Youth Zone

• Maggie's Oldham

With an overwhelming majority, Maggie's Oldham was chosen by the children.

The school held an Outrageously Orange fun day, with children coming in either their outrageous or orange clothes.

Each child who chose to dress up brought in a £1 donation for Maggie's Oldham. The school have raised approximately £200 for Maggie's Oldham through a mix of online donations from parents and money on the day. 

Samantha Nicholson-Hickling, PSHE co-ordinator, said: "It's really important for our children to remember the value of charity, especially at such a difficult time. So many amazing causes have lost out during the Covid-19 pandemic and I wish we could have donated to all the charities the children looked at as they were all worthy causes. In the end the children at our school chose Maggie's.

"One child said they voted for Maggie's because they felt people with cancer and those who had just been diagnosed had already been hurt so much during this pandemic, with operations, treatment and even diagnosis delayed. I am so proud of all our children for getting on board with supporting a wonderful charity and I hope we can look into more fundraising in the future for other worthy local causes." 

One Year 5 child said: "Charity is an important thing at our school. We like to help those in need and fundraising is just one way we can do it. Lot's of people suffered during the pandemic, and if our pounds can do anything to help someone with cancer, it's worthwhile taking part in fundraising!" 

The school said the day itself was a fantastic success, with both children in school and those at home able to join in and share their work as well as their wonderful costumes on Class Dojo, the schools online learning platform. 

Maggie's Oldham are still on the lookout for local schools, colleges and companies to 'Go Outrageously Orange' and fundraise in November.

The idea is to wear orange and raise money for people with cancer. 

Interested parties can pick up a free fundraising pack at www.maggies.org/goorange which has more information to get you started.