Charities

“We have to state, without mincing words, that there is an inseparable bond between our faith and the poor. May we never abandon them.” Pope Francis Evangelii Gaudium

The commitment to charitable works is highly impressive; students speak passionately of the work they have done to make a difference to the lives of others, locally, nationally and globally. Catholic Schools Inspection 2024

As followers of Christ, we are challenged to make a preferential option for the poor, namely, to create conditions for marginalised voices to be heard, to defend the defenseless, and to assess lifestyles, policies and social institutions in terms of their impact on the poor.

Through our support of international, national and local charities we develop in our pupils their understanding of the responsibility that has been placed upon us to do what we can to show our support and love for all members of God’s family.

The Father Ray Foundation in Pattaya Thailand is the school’s main international charity. It takes care of 850 orphaned, abused and disadvantaged children and students with disabilities. Every second year a group of around 30 students, staff and friends of the school journey to Thailand to share in their work. Funds are raised for Thailand during our Charity Week in Lent when forms undertake a variety of fundraising activities which culminate in our annual sponsored walk – The Bridge Walk. Funds are also raised by annual carol singing at Victoria and Oval Stations.

Locally we raise money for Housing for Women which provides affordable housing, helps women and children escaping domestic abuse, survivors of trafficking, women leaving prison and older women, and the Sickle Cell Society. Speakers from both groups have joined us for school assemblies to explain their work and our contribution to it. These organisations were chosen by the student community at Sacred Heart.

Fund raising also takes place in the year for Cafod and the Crisis Fund. Christmas gifts are donated by staff and students to be distributed to families in need by the Catholic Children’s Society. Speakers from the Children’s Society join us for school assemblies to explain their work and our contribution to it. We also raised money for the Ukraine Appeal and for Save the Children by taking part in their annual Xmas Jumper Day.

Over 150 Christmas hampers are created & delivered to local elderly people by the students.

For the last, few years’ pupils have visited a veteran’s home in Camberwell to deliver some Christmas gifts and learn from the experiences of former members of the armed services.

Awareness of social justice issues are promoted through our weekly assemblies, in RE lessons and during the PSHE programme.