School Christmas hamper competition brings festive joy to Peterborough’s elderly

Secondary school pupils at St John Fisher Catholic High School in Park Lane were given a cardboard box along with basic materials to decorate it and were challenged to fill it with donations for an elderly person.

In the end, more than 30 hampers made by pupils in Years 7 to 11, with donations including: colouring books and pencils, hand cream, tea and biscuits, puzzle books and cuddly toys.

The finished hampers were judged by heads of houses and the headteacher Kate Pereira before being delivered to an extra care scheme at Friary Court in Burton Street where they were distributed among residents.

The competition was organised by art and textiles teacher Lucy Lester.

She said: “One of our values that we focus on at this school is to be a service to society - to serve the human person and society and enable students to develop an understanding of their communal obligations, personal aspirations and role as citizens in society and the world.

“With Covid-19 causing so much disruption, the students at St John Fisher School understand how difficult it has been and how it continues to be for so many people. For that reason they worked so hard to cheer up those who have been having an especially difficult time - the elderly, who have often not been able to see family and friends due to social distancing.

“This is the first time the students have taken part in such a competition and I am thrilled by the huge amount of effort and generosity seen by the students and staff. The hampers ranged in theme including gingerbread houses, a sleigh (featuring its own elf taking the reins), penguins, Christmas trees, winter scenes and a chimney with an emerging Santa.

“Next year we will continue with this competition and hopefully (depending on the situation) will be able to take some students along with the delivery to sing carols and spread festive cheer.”