Spreading Christmas Cheer

PROJECT: The idea for the initiative arrived when Lucas Brown (pictured front) handed over a pound to charity

Children bring gifts and smiles to the elderly

A team of generous pupils from Bradford’s Iqra Academy were spreading the festive cheer earlier this week as they brought gifts and music to one of the city’s care homes.

Pupils from the student’s council headed down to the Britannia Care Home, in Girlington, to present a bounty load of presents, including mugs, sweets and soft toys to the local residents.

Christmas carols were also sung before the youngsters got the chance to speak with the elderly residents, and even share in some songs together.

Ruby Hussain, who organised the project, explained where the initiative had come from and how proud she was to see the school represented so well.

“Within school we had the idea of helping people in the community and although we had already done things like bag packing before, we decided this time to go and visit a nursing home,” she said.

TALK: Residents and pupils enjoyed speaking with each other as gifts were delivered

“It all began with one of our pupils offering one pound of his own money to buy gifts for others this Christmas.

“Since then, the headteacher has been really good and helped bring in funds to purchase the gifts we are handing out today.”

Lucas Brown, whose initial one pound donation kick-started the whole project, made the generous offer whilst visiting the Human Relief Foundation.

After hearing of other peoples’ plights this winter, the Year 6 pupil said he reached into his pocket and pulled out whatever money he had, saying he wanted to give it to charity.

So touched by the gesture, his coin was framed by the charity and a letter of thanks was sent to him.

CHEERFUL: Iqra Academy students brought gifts to Girlington’s Britannia Care Home last week, aiming to put smiles on the faces’ of residents

Mr Arif Khan, learning leader at the school, said: “It was a very proud moment when Lucas offered his own money because nobody had told him to do that.

“This whole event has come from that one act and it is helping the pupils learn about what is happening in the wider community, and problems people have to face every day of their lives.”

Asma Bi, senior carer at Britannia Care Home, praised the project and thanked those who had come down on the day to hand out gifts and speak with residents.

“It really is brilliant having the children here and for them to be interacting with some of the residents,” she said.

“Many of these people do not have family, or very few visitors so for them to see the children was really special.”

GIFT: Carol singers were also on hand to provide entertainment on the day