First Give awards celebrated at Croydon High

On Thursday 8th December 2016, Croydon High School held an awards evening to mark the climax of a ten week project called First Give, an initiative designed to mobilise Years 10 and 11 to get involved with social enterprise and local charities.

Nine groups of Year 10 and 11 girls gathered with their families and members of their nominated charity to present to a packed and excited room the reasons why their nominated charity should receive the award of funding from the crowdfund collection this term. There was not a dry eye in the house as each group sensitively, professionally and maturely showcased the phenomenal work undertaken on a daily basis by a broad assortment of charities in the school’s local area of Croydon and Bromley as well as across London.

Charities ranged from The Albert Kennedy Trust to Dyscover to the Kiyan Prince Foundation. The audience were introduced to the work of CCAT who combat human trafficking and protect vulnerable victims, and the importance of Nightwatch who routinely provide food, services and a kindly ear to homeless people on the streets of Croydon.

Mind, Lives Not Knives and the Bromley and Croydon Women’s Aid organisation had their essential work explained through moving film, drama and PowerPoint presentations that stirred the audience. Eventually the judges had the very difficult decision of nominating a winner for the money raised and the prize went to Jessica, Anika, Lauren and Canice for their support of the charity Contact, an organisation that provides practical help, advice, support and information to elderly residents in Croydon.

The Deputy Mayor, Councillor Toni Letts, emotionally spoke of the tremendous work of all the girls who represented and described them as “terrific ambassadors for Croydon High School”. The school is immensely proud of all the nominees and winners, and of all the girls in year 10 and 11 who embraced the project with gusto. All in all, it was an evening to be very proud of and the school is happy to announce that over £2000 has been raised.