Hundreds of youngsters from St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School in Maida Vale dressed up as cats or dogs for charity to raise funds and awareness for the Mayhew animal welfare charity on Friday 19 May.
Thanks to the fundraising efforts of a former St. Joseph’s pupil, 14-year-old animal lover and charity supporter Helena Atkinson, over £400 was raised for the Kensal Green charity. Pupils were invited to donate a pound to participate in the fun event, the goal of which was to raise funds and awareness for Mayhew and to collect contributions of pet-related goods for a pet food bank for the charity to share.
As Helena explains, “One of my aims was to raise awareness of animal welfare and how pet owners in London are struggling to feed their pets in the cost of living crisis. I have been so touched by people’s generosity and feel great knowing that we are donating to a charity that is making such a difference to support people and their pets in London. I can’t thank my friends and my school enough for their support.”
Ravin Ragnauth, Mayhew Community and Corporate Fundraising Officer, says, “We are so grateful to Helena and to all her schoolfriends for their incredible efforts help to raise awareness about Mayhew and much needed funds for our work. It costs over £6,000 a day to run Mayhew, and Helena’s efforts will make a huge difference to dogs and cats in need. She’s a trailblazer!”
If you would like to donate to Helena’s fundraising effort for Mayhew, please visit GoFundMe
