Over the last 50 years, Xaverian College has been raising money and collecting gifts for families within the local community as part of their Christmas Toy Appeal.
Throughout November and December, staff and students from across the College came together to raise money which is used to buy gifts for children within the local community. From sponsored sporting events and talent shows to bake sales and Christmas fairs, over £5800 was raised to purchase over 480 gifts, which were wrapped and delivered to local charities ahead of Christmas Day. The gifts are then passed anonymously to parents to give to their children.
The annual tradition was introduced by a Xaverian teacher many years ago and, although the project has evolved over time, the core principles have stayed the same of providing at least one Christmas gift to young children who may not otherwise receive any presents on Christmas Day.
Community is at the heart of Xaverian’s values and staff and students come together in the spirit of these values and the Xaverian mission to make a difference to the lives of disadvantaged families and young children at Christmas. College Principal, Tony Knowles, commented: “It’s heartening to me to see Xaverian staff and students pull together and raise so much money to buy presents for the Toy Appeal. It really does make a difference to the lives of young children to be able to experience the joy of Christmas and receive presents on Christmas Day. One of the founding principles of Xaverian College is ‘service’ and, in the spirit of this, I am proud of what we have achieved for the Toy Appeal and in supporting our local community.”
The Toy Appeal was the second fundraising initiative that the Xaverian community has led this year. The College had similar success with their annual Harvest Appeal, which is to support the work of Cornerstone Caritas Homeless Day Centre in Moss Side. Staff and students jumped at the chance to help others by donating many thousands of non-perishable food items.
Tony continued: “A Blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year from all at Xaverian College!”
"They shall name Him Emmanuel, which means 'God is with us'." - Matthew 1:23