The Parent Teacher Association at Rhydri Primary School has come up with an innovative way to raise funds for additional resources to support the education and wellbeing of pupils through a challenging year.
Gemma Hammacott, whose son attends the school, lives in Rudry and was a pupil at Rhydri Primary herself. She says “Our lovely village school provides a wonderful, supportive learning environment for children from Rudry, Draethen, Waterloo and the surrounding areas.
“We are blessed with a fabulous community of staff, friends and family who have always ensured the PTA is able to fund additional items and experiences to make the children’s time at Rhydri extra special.”
But Parent Governor Nicola Richards, who has two children at Rhydri, says the Covid pandemic has made it difficult for fundraising to take place this year, “In the past our PTA has run winter fayres and stalls at sports day, supported by the fantastic staff at the school. With face to face events on hold because we can’t get together as a school family, the PTA has had to come up with new ideas to raise money.
“We want to ensure we can fund additional equipment like Chromebooks and iPads, outdoor and PE equipment, STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) learning and wellbeing resources.”
In 2020 the PTA created and sold keepsake class photos, in 2021 they started selling pre-loved uniforms to generate additional income and have used the Easyfundraising and clothes recycling services to raise extra cash.
This month they’re trialling a new initiative online, encouraging everyone to take part in a virtual eco balloon race. Participants design virtual balloons online and track their progress in a simulated race over 7 days from 1st May.
Rachel Ridge, a mother of two pupils at the school said, “For a £3 entry there’s a chance to win £500 or an Apple iPad, plus we’ve have some fantastic prizes donated by parents and supporters of the school.”
Kate of insta cheer.Kate.bow & beyou_emporium has donated a back to school package of a personalised bag, water bottle and hand sanitiser worth over £30
Leona at Unique Little Closet has donated 3 x vouchers for 70% off all items
GH Business Consultancy will donate a £20 Cadwaladers Ice Cream Gift Voucher
Mrs Ridge continued, “It’s environmentally friendly as there are no real balloons involved, so no litter damaging our wildlife, and we are Covid-safe as it’s all online.
“We hope everyone gets behind this fundraising event, whether they have a connection to our school or not. There are some great prizes to win, and it’s fun designing the balloons online and tracking their progress during the week-long race.”
Entries can be made until 1130 am on 1st May with the virtual race taking place for a week.
Go to https://ecoracing.co/user/page/1611 to take part.
Anyone who’d like to donate a prize or find out how to support Friends of Rhydri Primary School PTA can email [email protected]
