Charities Update

2018 was an incredible year for charitable donations, thanks to pupils, parents and members of the Shiplake community.

Last year, Shiplake College raised over £20,000 for over 15 charities. The largest fundraiser was the sponsored walk, which raised a total of £12,935.98. The school has made a commitment to raise £80,000 for Gap Africa, who will use the money to build a secondary school in Kikinduku, Kenya. Shiplake has been supporting Gap Africa for 27 years, and in that time have been responsible for the development of 7 schools and the sponsorship of over 100 children in secondary education. Thanks to the ongoing donations and support from parents, families and staff, we continue to do so.

Eighty percent of the money raised by the sponsored walk, which took place in September, was donated to Gap Africa, a total of £10,349. The remaining money was split between five charities, which were decided by the Charities Committee. Chaired by Mr Tom Strudwick, the group allows pupils to work together with staff to implement decisions on their behalf. Year 7 pupil Jack Scanlon identified Headway and Our Lady’s Hospice and Care Services as a worthy charity, as they provided vital care for his grandmother. Similarly, Year 13 pupil Matthew Greenham chose St. Peter’s Hospice in Bristol, as they were able to provide care to his godmother at the end of her life. Nomad Henley was identified by Robert Whitfield, and the Thames Valley Air Ambulance was chosen by Rosie Burling, who saw the necessity to support such a worthy charity.

Well done to Mr Curtis and the boys of College House who raised £130 for the Movember Foundation, and grew some stunning moustaches while doing so. Visitors to the Christmas Carol service in Henley also contributed to a total collection of £1610.49, which was sent to the Christians in Reading Drop In Centre (CIRDIC), where Rev’d Stephen Cousins regularly volunteers his time.

The Drama Department and theatre company Scruffy Penguin raised £756.79 for MIND while at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, and a further £402 was raised by ticket sales of the Senior Production of Blood Brothers. This was donated to the Thomas Bennett Foundation. The Parents’ Association raised £300 for Macmillan Cancer Care at the Big Coffee Morning, and everyone who has bought one of our fabulous Oddballs Hats has helped to raise £435 for the Oddballs Foundation.

In addition to the College's charitable donations, the Parents' Association also made a donation to CIRDIC for £500 and a £100 donation to the Greenaway's JustGiving site, raising money for John Radcliffe Neuro Ward and the OCE Rehab Facility. 

Thank you to everyone who has helped the School to support these amazing charities. We hope that you will continue to support us throughout 2019 and beyond!