Students taking part in an Enterprise Project, have collectively raised over £6,600 for their local children’s hospice, Haven House.

Designed to encourage students to try new experiences while learning skills including planning, negotiation, budgeting, marketing and teamwork, the Haven House Enterprise Project challenged the students ranging from Year 9 to 12 to organise initiatives that would raise funds for the Woodford Green based charity from an initial £50 investment.

The students’ incredible achievements were celebrated at an awards evening at the Redbridge Drama Centre. Watched by teachers and mentors, pupils from Bancroft's, Davenant, Highams Park, Ilford County High and Woodford County High Schools, showcased their project to a judging panel prior to the awards being presented.

Ginny Donnelly, Community Fundraiser at Haven House, said she was extremely proud at how much the young people had developed in confidence throughout the project. She said:

The energy and the ideas coming from the pupils was truly amazing. It was wonderful watching the students grow and mature as the project progressed. The presentations were really enjoyable and gave a great insight, not only into their achievements, but into how they overcame challenges.

They have raised an incredible amount of money and awareness for Haven House and we cannot thank them enough. We are overwhelmed by their effort and commitment. We also want to thank Galliard Homes for their invaluable support and for providing mentors to work alongside the students. In addition, Galliard Homes have match funded the money raised by the students, resulting in an overall total of £13,311, which is outstanding.

Fundraising ideas included a Galentines Event; 10k run, designing and selling badges at a Comedy Evening; an Olympiad; a Basketball tournament; cake sales; raffles and even a head shave. The judging panel had a difficult task in selecting the award winners from the students’ enthusiastic and finely tuned presentations. 

Awards were presented for:

Best Presentation

Woodford County High School

 

Innovation Award

Woodford County High School

 

Top Event

Davenant Foundation School – 10k run from the school to Haven House raising £620

 

Top Income/Most Money Raised

Bancroft’s School - £2,443

 

Haven House Award

Michele Kingsley – teacher leading the team from Davenant Foundation School

 

Galliard Homes Award

Davenant Foundation School

 

Mentors Awards

Bancrofts – Sonya Kalsi

Davenant – Michele Kingsley

Highams Park School – Joseph Darnborough

Woodford County High – Amna Sharif

With support from mentors from Galliard Homes, who sponsored this year’s project, some schools exceeded their fundraising target. The pupils really benefited from professional business advice and expertise.

Victoria Anthony, Group Human Resources Director at Galliard Homes, said:

The awards ceremony was the culmination of 12weeks hard work on behalf of the students and it was rewarding to see not only how much they had developed as individuals but also the life skills they have gained from working with their mentors and as part of teams in a competitive environment. The sums raised for Haven House through innovative and challenging events were highly commendable and as the sponsor we were proud to see our company values of entrepreneurship, loyalty and professionalism displayed at every stage by the pupils. Well done everyone.

Chris Butler, from Bancroft’s School, said: “Bancroft’s were delighted to be involved and pleased for everyone that took part. The experience taught all the children not just about entrepreneurship but teamwork and grit. We are so pleased to raise vital funds for Haven House and absolutely delighted that we raised the most.” 

Woodford County High teacher Kavita Patel added: ‘’The Enterprise Project was a great experience, especially seeing the girls finding and maximising opportunities. It taught the girls resilience and how to overcome obstacles. They gained confidence and enthusiasm and it was a productive journey from start to finish.”

If you are interested in finding out more about the Enterprise Project and how your school can get involved, contact the Haven House Community Team on: 020 8506 3637 or email [email protected]