Pupils and staff at a Birmingham primary school have harnessed the festive spirit to raise a magnificent sum for a vital local cause. Dorrington Academy in Perry Barr has collected £6,180 for Birmingham Hospice through a whole-school Reindeer Run event.
A School in Full Festive Flight
The entire school community donned reindeer antlers for the fundraising dash. It's estimated that the energetic children collectively ran an astonishing 650 miles during the event. To put that distance into a seasonal perspective, it's roughly equivalent to a quarter of the journey from their school to the legendary home of Rudolph in Lapland.
John Harrison, Headteacher at Dorrington Academy, expressed immense pride in his pupils' efforts. "Our community here goes above and beyond to support local charities," he said. "Our pupils really made me proud with this event — raising such a significant amount will make a real difference and help so many people supported by Birmingham Hospice."
Making a Real Difference for Local Families
The funds raised will directly support the work of Birmingham Hospice, which provides essential care and support for people living with terminal illness, as well as their families and carers, across the city.
John Hurley, Community Fundraiser for Education at Birmingham Hospice, visited the academy to launch the campaign and was deeply impressed. "When I visited Dorrington Academy to launch their Rudolph Run campaign, I was immediately met with a great sense of community within the school," he remarked.
"Their community values, which are shared by Birmingham Hospice, have clearly influenced such an amazing fundraising total. The money raised by the school will help us to continue to support families, carers and loved ones through the most difficult times of their lives. We are truly grateful for their support!"
Embedding Charity in School Values
Fundraising initiatives like the Reindeer Run are a key part of Dorrington Academy's broader commitment to supporting its local community. The school actively encourages its pupils to participate in charitable projects where possible. This hands-on approach helps the children understand the positive impact they can have on the world around them from a young age.
The success of the event highlights the powerful results that can be achieved when a school's values align with a community's needs, creating a meaningful partnership for good.
