PUPILS at Haslemere’s St Ives School went barefoot to raise money for Sal’s Shoes.
Year five student Imogen O’Donnell was so shocked to learn 300 million children have to all to school with no shoes, she vowed to do something to help.
Her friends at St Ives were only too happy to help by donating their old foorwear to Sal’s Shoes, a not-for-profit organisation that has found new feet for over 500,000 pairs of pre-loved children’s shoes in 35 countries around the world.
On the last day of term, St Ives supporters left donated shoes on their desks and walked out of class for the long summer holiday in bare feet, which gave them a tiny glimpse of what life is like for those less fortunate.
Imogen will collect and deliver them to Sal’s Shoes, in Croydon, from where they will be then be sent to Africa for distribution.
Headteacher Kay Goldsworthy, said: “I was delighted with Imogen’s suggestion to gather all the children’s shoes at the end of term.
“We work hard at St Ives to make the children see beyond their own lives and realise that other children do not have the same privileges as them. We are also doing our best to play our part in waste reduction, so Sal’s Shoes is a perfect combination of the two and we are delighted to support them.”
Imogen added: “As soon as I heard about Sal’s Shoes I knew I wanted to help. I can’t believe 300 million children don’t have any shoes at all.
“It feels very unfair so I’m delighted all my friends from school, and I, are doing our bit to help. It is a wonderful organisation.”
St Ives also bade a fond farewell to year six girls, who are moving on to their senior schools in September.
The students have been high achievers, gaining the largest number of scholarships in St Ives’ history. More than two-thirds were awarded a scholarship at their senior school. A third of gained places to Guildford High, St Catherine’s Bramley, Tormead, Prior’s Field, Frensham Heights, Churcher’s College, Farnborough Hill and St George’s Ascot.
Mrs Goldsworthy wished them ‘lots of luck’ in the future.