Our pupils joined together to donate two minibuses filled with food for the New Forest Basics Food Bank in Lymington.

We were motivated to support the food bank after an inspiring talk from Sue Norris, a former Deputy Head at the school. Mrs Norris visited the school and spoke at our Harvest Assembly about the needs of the New Forest Basics Food Bank in Lymington, which she helps run as a volunteer.

As a result of this talk, we decided to hold a ‘home-clothes’ day’ in order to raise money for the food bank. The response from pupils and parents was overwhelming. Every pupil at the school brought in more than one item of food for the New Forest Basics Food Bank, who have provided resources for New Forest residents in need since 2004.

The donated food then needed to be date-ordered, bagged and labelled. Pupils from Year 3 through to Year 11 volunteered through their lunch breaks to sort through the piles that had been donated.

After all the donations had been organised, two minibuses were filled and driven to the food bank. Ballard’s Head Boy and Head Girl, along with a number of younger pupils, unloaded the contents of the minibuses.

On top of this generous donation, Ballard School also raised £377.50 towards the food bank’s new building fund and they are receiving more donated food items throughout December in a ‘reverse advent calendar’ scheme.

Sue Norris, Volunteer at New Forest Basics Food Bank, said:

“When the two minibuses turned up filled with amazing food, I was shocked, not only by the sheer scale of the delivery but also with the incredible attitude of all of the pupils. Well done and thank you to Ballard School’s hardworking heroes.”

Andrew McCleave, Headteacher at Ballard School, said:

“Ballard School would like to say a massive thank you to our pupils, parents and staff, who have given so generously to the New Forest Basics Bank. I was in utter disbelief at the amount that had been donated. It filled most of our chapel! I hope the donation will provide help to those in the local community who are in need.”