Christmas Fair raises more than £4,000 for Shrewsbury Foodbank

Last Sunday, 1st December, Shrewsbury School hosted their sixth Christmas Fair raising over £4,000 for the local Foodbank Plus.   

The Fair is a joint venture between the nearby Foodbank Plus and a local committee of Salopian parents who have created a thriving, festive Fair consisting of county and regional stallholders, including our own student stall.   

This year was no exception and in addition to our 16 suppliers, we were selling freshly made pizza and offering Tuk-Tuk rides as well as having our very own Father Christmas and providing exceptional musical interludes from our Shrewsbury School students.  All this to be enjoyed with some warm mulled wine and mince pies! 

In order for the Fair to be a success there is an army of volunteers working behind the scenes.  Shrewsbury School is very grateful to all the Salopian community who offer their time so generously to make this day a success.   

Not only do we rely on willing parent volunteers and staff from the Foodbank, but we also had 42 student volunteers eagerly offering their support and many more keenly playing festive music, well supported by our Director of Music Mrs McKenzie and Katy Landon (Peripatetic teacher).   

We are also very grateful to all the parents who baked cakes and donated tombola prizes ensuring that all of our stalls were laden with goods.  I must also give a special shout out to Jerica (G, LVI) who crocheted over 100 incredible cuddly toys to sell on the student stall, and to the Headmaster who created his own Christmas cards to sell with all proceeds going to the Foodbank Plus. 

Karen Williams, Project Lead from the Foodbank Plus said, “'What an amazing team of students this year to support the Christmas Fair. Thank you to all those that helped. There were lots of comments from stallholders and teams as they were all really impressed by the support that you gave.  It makes such a difference to everyone involved. Thank you for being part of the team!   

“It looks like we've raised in excess of £4000 which will go towards the Christmas Hampers and gifts for the hundreds of children that benefit from the Campaign.  Thank you! We couldn't have done it without you.” 

In addition to the Fair, we also ran a wreath making workshop, hosted by Peony and Tonic Flower and Cocktail House.  A great time was had by all and not only did we create stunning masterpieces for our homes but we raised a further £180 for the Foodbank Plus. 

Naomi Pritchard

Head of Charities and Volunteering