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Harrogate pupils' pyjama party supports Yorkshire charity

Ashville College’s Prep School Charity Club brought another pair of pyjamas or a box of chocolates for charity Zarach.

Harrogate pupils' pyjama party supports Yorkshire charity

Most of us have probably had an unsettling dream about inadvertently turning up for school or at work in our pyjamas but, for youngsters at a Harrogate school, it was a reality – and all for a good cause.

Members of Ashville College’s Prep School Charity Club did not have to get dressed for class as long as they brought another pair of pyjamas or a box of chocolates to school with them.

And each donation handed in at the school by Prep and Ashville Acorns Early Years pupils was then collected for Zarach, a charity set up by a West Yorkshire teacher in 2017 to support struggling families from the region.

Once the day was over, no fewer than 213 pairs of pyjamas and 176 boxes of chocolates had been collected for the cause.

Each will be included in “bed bundles” distributed to youngsters from families unable to afford the basics which allow a good night’s sleep.

Head of Ashville College Prep School, Phil Soutar said:

“For many children, proper rest in a warm and comfortable bed may be something they take for granted, but that isn’t the case for everyone.

“Zarach was set up to supply families under pressure with essentials – everything from a bed to covers, duvets, pillows and pyjamas and even books and toiletries.

“But, with Christmas around the corner, it’s good to include a few extra luxuries like sweets and chocolates too and we’re proud that our pupils were able to show such compassion and generosity which epitomises this time of year.”

The Charity Club has already sent donations to Zarach following their Harvest Service in October this year.

The next event for the same cause is planned today (Friday 8th December) when pupils will be selling Christmas decorations, hot chocolate and slime at the school’s Christmas Fayre.

Louise Wells, Year 6 teacher and Charity Club coordinator added:

“Proper rest can make a huge difference not just to a child’s ability to learn but how much they enjoy and participate in school life.

"It’s hard to believe that in the UK there are children who have to share beds with siblings, sleep on sofas or even on floors because their families are struggling to provide them with a bed of their own.

“We hope, by working with Zarach, our Charity Club can give other youngsters the comforts and the nourishment they need to be at their best and that they can therefore reach their full potential.”

Read more local stories from Your Harrogate here.

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