Last Christmas, Upper Sixth Former Charlie Faulkner (then Lower Sixth), came up with an idea to help ensure underprivileged children in Bedford received a Christmas present. So successful was his initiative, that he decided to do it again, this time there were over 200 presents donated, double what Charlie managed to collect last year.
Charlie explained, “I decided to do the appeal again after the turnout of last year’s appeal. It’s good to remember that no one is guaranteed a present at Christmas and by setting this up and publicising it, we can reduce the issue.”
The idea first came to him after watching a news story on the cost-of-living crisis and, knowing how well the Bedford School community come togeth
er when needed, he set up a Christmas Gift Appeal. Charlie wanted to make it easy for people to donate, so he set up an Amazon gift list with some recommended presents for people to buy, which then got delivered directly to Charlie at home. To help ensure the gifts are delivered to the families that need them most, Charlie enlisted the help of FACES, a local charity that offers practical and emotional support to families under stress.
Charlie took note of what FACES wrote on one of their Facebook posts; that they are always short of presents for older children, so Charlie made sure to include gifts suitable for a wide age range.
Charlie went on to say, “It’s an important thing to do, especially at a school like ours. It’s nice to have the whole Bedford School community come together and contribute to a good cause, whether that’s teachers, parents or boys.”
Michaela Martindale, CEO of FACES, said, “A huge thank you goes to the wonderful Charlie Faulkner from Bedford School for this incredible selection of gifts! Absolutely amazing work! Well done Charlie and thank you to all the staff, students and parents of Bedford School. Your support is greatly appreciated. The donations will make such a huge difference to so many families in the local area who are really struggling.”