A pupil from Harpley Church of England Primary School has raised an extraordinary £1,087 for the Disasters Emergency Committee’s Venezuela Earthquake Appeal after being inspired to help those affected by the disaster.
Maud Platt decided to take action after watching a documentary about the devastating earthquake and seeing the destruction faced by families and communities in Venezuela. Moved by what she had seen, Maud began planning a fundraising campaign to provide practical support for those whose homes and lives had been affected.
She organised a cake and bake stall, established a JustGiving page and created a QR code so that people could donate quickly and easily. The fundraising took place alongside community events at Harpley Village Hall and in the village church, allowing residents and visitors to support the appeal both in person and online.
Maud’s initiative brought together the school, church, village hall and wider Harpley community. Her determination to respond positively to a tragedy taking place thousands of miles away has been praised by those who supported the event, including Bishop Jane who praised her initiative and generosity on a visit to the school this week.
The money will support the DEC Venezuela Earthquake Appeal, helping its member charities provide emergency assistance to people affected by the disaster.
Maud’s fundraising demonstrates the difference that one young person can make when an idea is supported by a generous community. What began with a documentary and a desire to help grew into a village-wide effort involving cakes, coffee, online fundraising and many individual acts of kindness, raising an impressive total of £1,087 for the appeal!
